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Seeing a dermatologist privately

(33 Posts)
Mazgg Fri 11-Aug-23 10:57:27

I have an ongoing skin problem which 3 GPs say they are flumoxed by. A referral for an urgent appointment was made 3 months ago and photos sent to the dermatology department.
I have not heard any more about it. Now that the hot weather has returned I am being driven mad by the itching at night despite cooling cream being prescribed.
I am unable to wear a bra as it is massively uncomfortable and this is now affecting my lifestyle. The only way forward I can see is to pay to see a dermatologist.
Please can anyone tell me how I would go about this? Should I ask my GP or do I shop on line and hope I choose the right one? I remember asking a GP about private surgery for varicose veins (not available on the NHS as classed a 'cosmetic procedure') and being given a very curt reply.

Mazgg Thu 24-Aug-23 22:58:18

At about the same as this started I was prescribed beta blockers. When I queried the possibility of a connection my GP said that if that was the case it would have been all over and not localised. I forgot to add that I am not overweight and thankfully haven't got large breasts.

Callistemon21 Thu 24-Aug-23 23:02:14

University of Bonn
Summary:
Beta-blockers are often used to treat high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. However, in some patients they can trigger or exacerbate psoriasis, an inflammatory skin disease
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/11/191107122632.htm
I'm surprised your GP didn't think of this as a possible cause.
It may not be the reason, of course.

Mazgg Fri 25-Aug-23 08:35:01

Callistimon21
Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to find this out. When I checked out bisoprolol it indicated that it could trigger a certain type of psoriasis if it was already present. I will take the information you have given above to my GP and hopefully she will act on it.
It would be wonderful if that was the cause as I'm sure an alternative medication could be found.

ParlorGames Fri 25-Aug-23 08:54:53

If you were referred three months ago you ought to have heard something by now. Even if there is a long waiting time for an actual appointment, you surely should have received an acknowledgment regarding the referral.

Contact the Bookings Department and make enquiries to determine the waiting time before going private; there is a possibility that your referral has been overlooked, it does happen.

M0nica Fri 25-Aug-23 09:12:57

I would thoroughly recommend, checking which NHS consultant you expected to see before getting a private consultation.

DD had serious problems her GP was not taking seriously, so she found out who the NHS consultant was at her local hospital. This meant he had access to her medical records and scans when she saw him privately. After seeing her, he treated her condition within the NHS, and with the seriousness it required, which her GP was not

In the meanwhile, because he was being seen privately he had the time to discuss her condition with her in detail, all the possible treatments and the one most suitable for her. That discussion alone eased her worries and meant she found the wait for NHS treatment less worrying.

Mazgg Fri 25-Aug-23 15:27:45

I rang the hospital that my GP originally referred me to (Newcastle RVI) to find out when I would be likely to be seen. They are currently seeing patients referred in February 2022. I was referred my May 2023 so it would be probably 15 months time. Makes the 6 weeks to be seen privately look like a good bet.

Callistemon21 Fri 25-Aug-23 15:37:03

Mazgg

Callistimon21
Thank you so much for taking the time and trouble to find this out. When I checked out bisoprolol it indicated that it could trigger a certain type of psoriasis if it was already present. I will take the information you have given above to my GP and hopefully she will act on it.
It would be wonderful if that was the cause as I'm sure an alternative medication could be found.

It can be so distressing, Mazgg

When I was pregnant I had a widespread rash on my face, possibly rosacea but never properly diagnosed back then by the dermatologist, and I had to wait until I'd had the baby and finished breastfeeding before I had a long course of antibiotics. It was red, shiny and itched especially at night.
Then before that same DD's wedding I got it again! Stress or hormonal, they weren't sure. But that was red, shiny and itchy and cleared up with rosacea cream, thankfully.

So I can sympathise and hope they can diagnose and treat it asap.