I've got an appointment to see a dermatologist, but I'm too embarrassed...

[doigo]

I've had a problem for the last six months - it's very embarrassing, basically I am constantly itching around both the front and back passage.
I've been to see the GP several times, it's not an infection or thrush (it was initially, but that was treated and went away). For the back passage I was prescribed ointment that made it worse. I was also prescribed steroid cream which helped, but you can't use it for long and also I'm pregnant now so I can't use it at all.
The GP didn't know what to do and because I thought I would be covered by private health insurance he wrote me an referral to a dermatologist. But the insurance won't pay for it, so the receptionist at the GP changed the referral to an NHS one. I have now an appointment for next Monday, but I don't know if I can bring myself to go. Will they laugh me out of the room for turning up with such a stupid problem? It's very uncomfortable, but it's going to be so hard to discuss it with a doctor...
what do I do?

Could it be a type of allergy to the washing powder or fabric softner of your pants? Or maybe the type of soap you are using?

I haven't changed anything where detergent or fabric softener is concerned - can an allergy just appear from one day to the next?
I don't use any soap now, just hot water, because soap makes things much worse, but not using any doesn't make it disappear either.

Please, dear kind Mumsnetters, tell me! Would you go to a specialist with a problem like that? Or just soldier on? Or go back to the GP? Or what?

Just because you haven't changed your washing powder doesn't mean to say they havent changed the ingredients. Try washing just your knickers and towels in 'Surcare' and see if that helps abit. You can get it from most supermarkets.

Also you can suddenly becaome allergic to something.

No of course they won't laugh you out of the room, he/she will be a dermatologist, not a shop assistant! Skin problems are his/her job, believe they will not give two hoots where the skin is, just what is wrong with it.

I'd still go now you have the appointment. And no the probably won't laugh.

Go - you've taken the first steps, it would be a shame not to go through with it now and get some relief from your problem.

go and get it looked at - good practise for examinations you might have later in pregnancy !

honestly - they are doctors - they have seen everything - you are not a person to them - just a case, and a body. Everyone has bottoms - you are just unforutnate that at the moment yours is not behaving well. If you can see your gp then you can see a specialist.