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 ?

Not been seen by anyone today. I’ve emailed PALS and complained

I knew it was a pack of lies/ lazy

I'm probably very late to the party seeing as he's been to hospital...

I assume they've been swabbed? I had similar that turned out to be the cold sore virus (I get them a lot) probably spread to the 'wrong' part of my body due to getting into the skin via eczema.

Thats ridiculous. Honestly, the NHS is an absolute f'in disgrace.

@RenovationRenovationRenovation yes they’ve swabbed the blisters so that’s something

So still no steroid cream as they’ve now decided they don’t want to do that until he’s seen a dermatologist incase it makes it worse.

firstly their lack of a dermatologist is affecting his treatment

secocibdly he had it at home and it improves things when taking it

thirdly they’ve started him on oral steroids. So I struggle to understand why topical steroids might be bad but systemic steroids with no diagnosis are fine. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Oh lordy. That's awful that no dermatologist has been in to see him yet.
I'm not in the UK. Our system is a bit different in Ireland. Still sh*te though.

They’re not even managing to feed him. He’s been missed off the dinner delivery.

You need PALS

What sort of ward is he on

You've done the right thing to contact PALS.

General medical I think

Has he touched any toxic plants like Giant Hogweed?

I really do feel for you both. Hope he’s sorted soon OP 💐

Your poor dh. It was much the same when I was I'm hospital for a week. The Dr make a plan but the next one on shift makes a new plan and nothing gets done or tested. NHS is in right mess

One doctor took my son off IV antibiotics the following day another doctor put him back on the IV.

My DIL was there everyday. Bought hot food from the canteen downstairs, brought in a cool box with lollies, cold drinks to help with the fever and keep his strength up.

She said you have to advocate ask questions all the time. If you have something unusual they're more cautious. Oral steroids IMO may be better, applying it topically might lead to infection.

@CormorantStrikesBack has been unlucky that the hospital doesn't have an available dermatologist though

I hope PALS can help you and something is done quickly. Shocking that they treat patients so badly that they forget to feed them. Luckily you are there so you can give water as it sounds like left to the ward staff he would get dehydrated as well. Hope the dermatologist when he/she eventually arrives may have an idea of what it is. Terrible the hospitals are not 24/7 and can’t even gets meds. I wonder what they would do if he was a burn victim, just leave it for a few days? Hope you are remembering to eat as you’ll need your strength too

Getting worse

Oh mh poor guy, that needs urgent medical attention, is he on any treatment at all.

Do you have alternative hospitals near you? Or are you rural?

Can you ask for the on call doc for a review?

So sorry this is happening-

Yeah, you’d think he’d be getting that in hospital. He’s on steroids now.

Hey OP

Is there any chance you could discharge him and take him to a bigger hospital?
I'm sending my virtual thoughts to you and your DH.

About an hour away, but it could be as bad. And he wouldn’t get transferred, he’d have to sit in a&e for 18 hours again. I’m hoping that PALS might do something tomorrow?

I just don’t know if it would be any better.

thank you everyone for advice and good wishes btw, I’m sorry I’m not thanking people individually

Years ago my mum was in hospital and they frequently missed meals etc. You feel like you need to stay with them to be their voice despite being worried about them being sick.