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 ?

Thanks, I’ll tell him to go to boots today and talk to a pharmacist and see what they recommend.

As far as I know the strongest steroid cream you can get direct from a chemist (rather than on prescription) is Eumovate which is unlikely to be strong enough, although it might help slightly as a stopgap.

GPs tend to be pretty poor at advice with skin conditions, mine never told me about tapering either, fortunately I subsequently saw a dermatologist who did.

So this is what it looks like when it starts off. Fluid filled small blisters, very sharp stabbing pain from them. Then they turn into the red welts. He has developed some on his feet now and they are making walking painful

So he got to see a GP today. Coeliac blood test is negative. GP still no idea what it is but has prescribed more betanovate stuff. Hopefully we hear from the private hospital soon and get a private dermatology appt because GP still doesn't think he needs referring on the NHS!

He's been up half the night as the pain is so bad!

That's appalling OP. The GP at the very least should request advice and guidance from the dermatology consultant, they can send photos to them for treatment advice, and the consultant will say if he needs to be seen in hospital outpatients.

Yeah I thought it was a bit shit to be honest

Gp says he’ll see him in two weeks to see if it’s improved. Waste of an appointment because it will be better (but not cured) as the cream calms it down a bit. He has given him antibiotics as well this time as he thought some looked infected

@CormorantStrikesBack next visit you go with him. Men aren't great at dealing with GPs and pushing for photographs to be sent referral Our GP surgery do it as a matter of course.

https://dermnetnz.org/topics/palmoplantar-pustulosis#:~:text=Palmoplantar%20pustulosis%20presents%20as%20crops,may%20persist%20for%20many%20years.

those remind me of Palmoplantar pustulosis. Could it be a similar thing?

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24805-pustular-psoriasis

Sorry just getting back to you.

GP needs to accept this is a specialist issue to deal with. Refer to the experts. Especially If it keeps coming back. Are the antibiotics and steroids acting as 'plasters'? Could do with looking at triggers rather than symptoms

The GP should have referred you, but you'd probably be waiting for months so it's good you can go private. Hopefully that will really speed things up.

In the meantime remind your husband not to suddenly stop the Betnovate, he needs to ensure he doesn't run out, and taper it if/when he stops using it.

He’s been admitted to hospital today as an emergency. They seem quite worried about him but no dermatologist on over the weekend

@CornishTiger thats one of the possibilities they’re mooting about and said it can be very serious even life threatening.

Sorry to hear he's so u well but luckily he's now in the right place.

I'd be feeding back to practice manager when he's better to get them to review their procedures. If a GO doesn't know then that's what the specialists are for.

Yes so glad I made him go to the urgent treatment centre today. Possibly lymphoma

Greed job on advocating OP. Least he is where everything is to hand now. Thinking of you both over this weekend.

Sending you both all the very best, what a worry, he is in the right place now, the gp needs some training.,

How frightening. I am so sorry you are having this scare and do hope you get a reassuring diagnosis soon.

I hope your DH is OK and it isn't lymphoma. It just be a worrying time, glad you pushed him to get seen.

Before I read your updates, I thought it looked like pompholyx eczema.

Gosh can’t believe the dr wouldn’t refer to dermatologist, it’s been a year, not responding to treatment and GP has no ideas- surely that is exactly when you refer??

Anyway really hope the hospital can find an answer OP and it’s not a scary one.

Private dermatologist may cost £200-250 for a consultation (we recently paid £250 in London, Harley St). Plus private prescription costs. But hopefully you won’t need one.

Oh my heavens. I’ve just read your update OP. I was going to ask how his kidney function bloods look but… you must have a million and one thoughts racing through your head. 💐

@CormorantStrikesBack I'm sorry it's come to this but glad that he is in hospital. Now he will be tested for things.

We were in your shoes 11 days ago. The hospital were absolutely brilliant.

Thank you, hope things are ok with you now.

So the blisters have got worse. He’s covered in big orange blisters which keep bursting. They’re talking about some possible rare type of psiorrhsis. But no dermatologists available until tomorrow. If it is this thing they’re talking about Google says it can be life threatening and the patient should be treated like a burns victim and treatment started asap. The liquid is soaking through his clothes

Obviously no treatment has been started yet as diagnosis needs making by a dermatologist. Seems bonkers that if it’s possible to have life threatening dermatology emergencies then nobody is on call. I’m trying to be reassured that maybe if they’re not doing anything it’s because they don’t think he needs it and not incompetent