Long term itchy rash, photo inc. GP no idea

[CormorantStrikesBack]

Dh has had this weird rash thing for over a year. All over his body from legs to scalp. Extremely itchy. Starts off as small bumps which have clear fluid and then turns into larger welts.

Gp did prescribe loads of steroid cream, powder and wash which seemed to help a bit but not cure. And as soon as he’s run out it’s flared back up intensely. He did have relief from the itching while using the cream.

Nobody else affected, we haven’t changed wash powder. Normally fit and well.

I did wonder coeliac as dd has it and I know it can affect the skin. He’s waiting for blood test results. Any other ideas ?

Molluscum? More common in kids.

https://images.app.goo.gl/FajqrSAG9bQgnHD4A

I tried some skin rash identification app and it said possibly scabies which I don’t think is right as I haven’t got it. Possibly eczema 🤷🏻‍♀️. His skin isn’t dry? Then it mentioned Dyshidrotic dermatitis but the photos on the internet don’t look like it

He needs a referral to a specialist.

Oh that looks similar, off to read symptoms. Thanks

The gp apparently thought about it but wanted to see how the cream goes first. 18 months wait for dermatology. Dh is going to go back to the gp in a couple of weeks.

@CormorantStrikesBack this looks similar, bacterial folliculitis? SENSITIVE PIC on link

https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/conditions-symptoms/folliculitis?

Ok so Dh has read the molluscum stuff and says he doesn’t think it’s that. He says it starts as a small blister which when clothing rubs on it feels like a pinprick.

he says he’s now discovered if he lances the small blister with a pin it normally doesn’t get bigger. If he misses one it erupts into a big welt like the ones in the photo

Pay for a private dermatology appointment.

It is possible something that may need antivirals (aciclovir) - steroids won't do much for this type of skin condition I suspect.

I would see a dermatologist asap, they will sort it.

I have some skin conditions and GPs get so little training they are useless. My otherwise v good GP prescribed me steroids for oral dermatitis, which according to the dermatologist I finally saw prolonged it and made it harder to treat.

I wouldn’t say he has an area of a rash like that. Dd got hot tub arse folliculitis once and it doesn’t look like that.

Has he ever had eczema as a child?

Good advice. I’ve told Dh and he agrees

My DD had molluscum and it didn’t look like that, and they clump together.

No

Just filled out an online enquiry form for the BMI hospital. We don’t have insurance so he’ll have to pay and not sure how much a consultation will be but he can’t carry on scratching away for the next 18 months.

"Gp did prescribe loads of steroid cream, powder and wash which seemed to help a bit but not cure. And as soon as he’s run out it’s flared back up intensely. He did have relief from the itching while using the cream."

If steroid cream helped, it sounds as if it may be the correct treatment. Were you told that steroid cream must not be suddenly stopped or you get a bad re-flare - which is what happened to your DH. You need to taper it.

To taper successfully, you need to gradually use less, and apply it less often. So if it was twice a day, go to once a day; if once a day, apply every other day; and do this for over about ten days until you stop using. As soon as you see any returning, start using the cream again.

I had dishydrotic eczema (on hands and feet) and had to use dermovate or betnovate for quite some time, it worked well. DE was sort of similar, in that it is very itchy blisters which you can pop.

@Bestinshow22 GP gave no advice on the use of it at all. Dh for some reason thought it was on repeat prescription and rang to get some more to be told it’s not on repeat.

So he’s run out suddenly and it’s a two week wait for an appointment. I have told him to try ringing Monday morning for a same day appointment to get the meds quicker. He’s driving me nuts with the scratching for a start! 😁

Possibly dermatitis herpetiformis - your GP may need to test for coeliac.

I do think this. He’s had a blood test for this and should get the results next week.

Look at his diet. There might be something he eats frequently (but seemingly innocuous) which sets up an inflammatory response?

For me if was too many eggs a week. I was eating one every morning at breakfast.

I cut back to 3 a week and my skin symptoms totally disappeared never to return. Deep joy.

God knows. He eats healthy, vegetarian and no processed food but I guess it’s a bit repetitive as it’s all veg and pulses. Maybe if the dermatologist reckons it’s an allergy he’ll just have to try cutting one thing out at a time.

You can buy hydrocortisone cream over the counter.

Thanks, I’ve told him. But he says he wants the betnovate again as that’s what he got prescribed and that’s prescription only by the looks of it.

Boots sell an own brand betnovate which is just the same.

I had the betnovate, they wouldn't repeat it. I went to the surgery saying that I needed it. Receptionist scheduled a telephone appointment for the next day.