Are there any dermatologists here that can help please?

[MammyLeelee]

I’ve had this on my face for at least 7 months, I don’t take many pictures of myself so it could possibly have been longer, but looking back at photos, it’s there 7 months ago.
When I first noticed it I just thought it was a zit or a scratch, but it hasn’t gone away.
I looked online and read about basal cell carcinomas etc and it sounded similar, it itches sometimes, it doesn’t bleed but it crusts over all the time then the crust falls off, and repeat.

I absolutely hate going to the doctors but I made myself go on Monday because I’ve been worrying about it, I hate going because I always worry that I’m just wasting their time and the junior doctor I saw made me feel exactly that.. but reading online it tells you if you’re concerned at all then go to the GP as soon as possible, sooner the better etc… but she made me feel like a hypochondriac.
She also said “I get it may not be aesthetically pleasing” .. as if I’m worried about what it looks like 😣
It’s put me off going to the doctors even more now in future.

She said she wasn’t concerned about it because it’s small, to keep moisturising and if it’s still there in 2 months to come back.
But what else could it be if it’s been there for at least 7 months?

Anyone? 👀

I would go to a private mole clinic for a single mole check. I don’t really trust GPs with stuff like this. Could be something and nothing but for less than £100 you may as well get it checked.

If it’s a BCC it can be easily removed and they don’t spread. It could also be a keratosis or warty thing… but I’d get it checked at a skin/mole clinic for sure.

Thank you

I’d send in a pic to your GP and they will refer you quickly if they think it is suspicious. You don’t need to pay privately.

I’d echo the others of if possible try a private dermatologist or mole clinic, that is how I ended up getting my bcc and then later melonoma diagnosed, it may not be a problem but something on your face not disappearing for months need to be investigated. If it is a bcc though don’t worry they grow very slowly

Boots do mole checks get results back in a week. Cost £40

I wouldn’t trust a gp to diagnose potential skin cancers. Mine told me my melanoma was a reaction to an insect bite and to ignore it.

depressing how often I’ve heard similar stories, I had health anxiety over skin irritation apparently. 🙄

I don't think dermatology is well taught to GPs. Some have a special interest though.

I have something similar - I saw a specialist paramedic at our gp surgery and they referred me to dermatology. They said in the past they tended to do watchful waiting but now they tend more to referr on.
Dermatology think it's pre - cancerous keratosis - have a three week treatment with cream and then that's done - the treatment makes it sore but then it's sorted.
I would ask for a second opinion/go private - I was worried it was serious so was relieved it wasn't more serious

That's very lax of the GP. I thought I had a BCC a few months ago, they took it seriously (same sort of thing, would crust and then fall off/reheal) and it was actually a wart which is gone now. I got a quick referral to dermatology, they take a series of photos and they're analysed by a dermatologist.

I’m sorry to hear that. Mine has diagnosed and referred 3 for me.

Don't trust GPs they know nothing about skin. If it keeps crusting over and falling off yes it definitely could be a basal cell carcinoma. If it is, the sooner you treat it the better because it's on your face. I would pay for a one off dermatologist appointment, then they can write to your GP with any diagnosis so you can get treatment on the NHS.

Thanks everyone, the GP was very dismissive and made me feel silly, and the comment about “it may not be aesthetically pleasing” annoyed me because that’s the least of my worries

hi did you ever find out what this is i have the exact same on my face im seeing a dermatologist thursday x

Hey, sorry only now seen this, no I haven’t found out but it’s still there, I need to book in with the doctors again, good luck with your appointment, can you let me know what they say yours is please? X

I’d be going back to the doctors and asking to see someone else.

I don’t want to worry you, but I have something similar on my stomach. It appeared in June 2024. Started off as a red spot. It would crust and bleed, then calm down again. Really couldn’t be bothered with the rigmarole of trying to get a GP’s appointment. Finally went to the GP last September who prescribed some cream which, if it was pre-cancerous, would make it red and inflamed etc. The cream didn’t work. I went back in January and they referred me on the two week cancer pathway. I was seen at a clinic, where they photographed it. I’ve been told it’s suspected basal cell carcinoma. I was told it was “urgent” but then told I would have to wait 13 months to be seen! I complained to PALs and now have an appointment next Friday.

Don’t delay. Especially as it’s on your face. Go back and get referred. Only then will you know what it is.

edited to add yours looks very similar to mine. Irregular edges, crusting, bleeding and a pearlescent type appearance are all signs of BCC.

hi yes i will let you know tomorrow mine doesn’t bleed it’s just there it’s so odd
i haven’t always had it so i kno it’s not right x

Thank you, I’ve got an appointment this afternoon, good luck next Friday with yours x

Thank you. Good luck with your appointment x

I’ve just been to my appointment, she looked through the dermascope and it has vessels around it which could indicate a basal cell carcinoma, I’ll have an appointment within the next 6 weeks with dermatology to take photos etc x

i’ve just been he’s 100% sure it’s basal cell carcinoma
im having it took out on the 30th this month and sent for biopsy !
im absolutely worried sick he did reassure me a million times but im a worrier and i will worry until this is of my face and i have received my biopsy report back

Oh no I’m sorry 😢 try not to worry too much though because it’s so easily treatable and at least it’s been seen now thankfully, good job you went to see about it, the first doctor I saw made me feel stupid, but today’s doctor was absolutely lovely. I’m glad I went back now too, have you got a picture of yours so I can compare it to mine? X

@MammyLeelee i was a nervous wreck today when he said but he did say they do not spread and they tend to stay put he said he has had ppl who have had them on there body for like 10+ years and never realised x yes i’ll show you now xx