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 ?

Jesus that's bad.

Send any pictures you have to PALS, re my previous email please note that the condition has worsened . He still hasn't seen a dermatologist.

Does the nurse on duty know it looks like this, how long has it been like that today.

Yes they know, he reckons it was actually worse yesterday and slightly improved today. So he hasn’t seen a dermatologist but the ward doctor saw him this morning and apparently wasn’t too concerned. Apart from saying he needs a CT scan to check nothing going on internally (they are hinting at cancer).

Fingers crossed for PALS - can you get on early for the ward round as well?

There will be a doctor on call tonight if you do feel he needs a review - you could ask for that ?

Could the oral steroid be making it worse ? I am not a medic & they would know, but as it has got worse, something has changed, it must be so hard for you both.

What does the nurse say, have they asked if he needs dressings, fluids, painkillers, antibiotics, blood,tests., is this a large hospital?

Gosh, that's awful OP. I hope he sees a dermatologist ASAP, he definitely needs one.

The doctor said he doesn’t need iv fluids or antibiotics. They’re not dressing anything as such but are putting tubigrip and a pad over any big blister which pops to soak the fluid up. He’s had blood tests which they said are normal. He says he doesn’t need painkillers

It’s a medium size hospital I guess, small city.

Your poor dh!
Looks horrible
I've had some success in the past emailing the hospital ceo directly

Has the wound care nurse specialist seen him, I don't know what else to say poor man, I hope he gets the help he needs soon.

No, good idea. I’m going to message him and tell him to ask for that tomorrow

OP I've been following for a couple of days and didn't have anything useful to say beyond what everyone else has said. But this evening I don't want to run without saying I'm so sorry your DH and you are going through this. Good night and I hope they'll get their arses in gear tomorrow.

Jesus, poor man that looks terrible. I hope there's improvement soon and PALs are able to help

I so hope you get somewhere soon. Sending best wishes for a speedy recovery

God that looks bad. Wishing him the best, he must be quite frightened.

My goodness, that deteriorated quickly in a few days. I’m sorry your DH has the worry of this skin condition. It’s encouraging to hear the blood tests were normal, considering one of the possible diagnoses mentioned. Good night and I hope you get better progress tomorrow.

Just thread this thread and horrified for you both. I feel the GP should have completed a specialist referral a long time ago.

I really hope there is a diagnosis very soon and it's not something that willl affect his life

Gosh that looks sore - poor bloke

I'm guessing their lack of urgency is because medically he's fine? As in no other symptoms?

Otherwise it seems odd to keep someone in hospital and not actually read them ro seem in a hurry to find out a cause.

Hope you get an answer from PALs (or anyone) today

Yes, he seems quite well. His observations are ok. I think he’s a bit tachycardic as his pulse is 60 and it’s normally 40. But obviously that doesn’t score anything and nobody seems to care.

but my worry is if it is lymphoma then surely every day counts and treatment needs starting. Or if it is this generalised pustular psiorhsis that also needs treatment urgently as it can be life threatening. I’d rather they knock it on the head now rather than wait for him to get ill

Oh my @CormorantStrikesBack !
Your poor dh.
Please send those photos to your utterly useless GP.
By not sending your dh to a consultant, by not admitting it was beyond his pay grade this has occurred.

Oh my god op, I really hope he sees a dermatologist today, that’s shocking, poor bloke. I see bullous pemphigoid has been mentioned, and that was my thought too. I had a relative who had it, just confined to his legs for some reason. I really hope they get him diagnosed with something and start treatment soon.

Has he had any biopsies taken - just been reading the worst case scenario of skin lymphoma and the only way to diagnose that, or even pemphigus is through biopsies? They’re being very lax if a dermatologist hadn’t seen him yet - I’d be playing blue murder to get an expert to look at him today. Poor you and him - he’s being failed so far so they need to pull their fingers out.

He’s seen a dermatologist who thinks it’s that perphemigoid thing. He’s had biopsies taken. Ct scan tomorrow just to rule other stuff out.

Good that he's been seen now, and they think it might be phempigoid .how is he feeling.

Glad to hear he's being seen!