intense itching + rash on both arms - any advice re going private?

[Minitoots]

I developed a really intense itchy, burning and sore rash on my right arm in mid January which has now spread to my left arm. Nothing has changed in my diet or lifestyle to set off an allergy as far as I am aware. I've been back to see various GPs at my surgery 4 times, and have been prescribed different treatments + ointments and various tablets for eczema, scabies etc, none of which have worked either. They ruled out shingles too.

I finally got the GP to refer me to a dermatology specialist as an urgent referral but they said that could take weeks and weeks but the itching is so bad especially at night that I can't wait that long or I will have scratched my arms off!

I'm wondering if anyone has been to a private dermatologist that they would recommend? I can't think what else to do...

thanks!

[Minitoots]

thanks for the private messages, everyone. Does anyone else have any suggestions? thanks again

[klh]

I went to see Dr Rachael Morris-Jones privately and thought she had a lovely manner and was very reassuring. http://www.londonbridgehospital.com/LBH/consultant-det/dr-rachael-morris-jones/

I hope you get it sorted soon!

[Saffron]

Just gonna throw a couple of unusual things out there...

Did they rule out MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome / histamine intolerance)?

Or, brachioradial pruritus?

Aging (specifically menopause) is said to worsen MCAS. Hot bath/ shower is meant to temporarily worsen symptoms, then improve symptoms for several hours (by depleting mast cells of their histamine stores).

BP is thought to be a form of neuropathy, but not a lot is known about the source of the neuropathy. Cold packs are said to improve it, possibly by reducing impulses in the nerves.

Hope you're able to find some relief. xx

[seenbeen]

I developed something similar over the last year but mine is not continuous it flares up now and again and on one inner arm and the base of my scalp. And, like you, my lifestyle etc has not changed. As I am getting older I feel I am prone to gut problems if I'm not careful and I think my rash is linked to that. I found this, my rash looks like this as long as I don't scratch it. I am keeping a food diary

https://solvingtheibspuzzle.com/dermatitis-herpetiformis/

[B&G]

Is anyone else in the family suffering? Scabies is real and itches like nobody's business. Usually starts around the hands and spreads. Good luck in your search for a diagnosis. Sounds horrid.

[Minitoots]

thanks for those suggestions, Saffron seenbeen and B+G . I've now had a biopsy and should get the results very soon so am hoping that will shed more light on it but if not I'll ask about those conditions you mentioned. I had a quick look and found a good article about histamine intolerance - https://healinghistamine.com/diagnosing-histamine-intolerance-mast-cell-activation-2/

Even dermatologists are not sure yet as the rash has now spread to my back and even as far as my legs a bit.

I'm now also cutting out saccharine and soya which I've been eating more of in the last few months.

I'll check with the GP about getting a gluten intolerance test, seenbeen. One of the dermatologists did wonder about that, along with wondering if it was a fungal infection....

No one else is suffering, B+G. I asked the doc for scabies ointment a couple of weeks ago even though he was sure it was not that, and that made no difference.

[Ginster]

I developed a bit of eczema as a kid after having my ears pierced (triggers a nickel allergy in some people) so got a rash on tummy from jeans button and wrist from watch.

It all eased off (and I prevented contact with metal) and I had years clear.

Then as an adult (28 ish) I suddenly pretty much got eczema or a rash all over my body except my face.

I still don't know what caused or cleared it - but I tried a chiropractor (clutching at straws as this stage but at a health fair at work they had a picture of the spine and what all the nerves going into it were connected to and one in the neck was skin and I had put my neck out a while before so thought worth a try!) Also saw dermatologists and got topical steroids and finally got "Apis Mellifera" bee cream (https://www.healthchemist.co.nz/product/apis-mellifera-skin-cream-45g-p273961.html). Something fixed it - will never know what but you might want to try either/both.

Now for the last 8 years I've been suffering on my right hand as the "memory site" of the eczema from my watch irriation as a teenager has now spread up my whole palm. With 2 young kids I have to wash my hands a lot so it means the hand also isn't moisturised enough. I have tried pretty much everything topical and have reached such a frustration point I'm trying something hardcore. I have also seen and liked Dr Morris-Jones and she's hopefully about to help me with some very strong tablets that just treat hand eczema.

I have seen 4 different dermatologists now - think it's good to get different views.

Good luck I hope it clears as I know how you feel!

[Minitoots]

thanks for the info Ginster. I see the apis-mellifera-skin-cream you sent a link to comes from New Zealand - did you get yours in the UK?

I'd be interested to hear who your dermatologists were - I've seen one but still none the wiser,even after a biopsy "probably exzema" The earliest NHS referral appointment I can get is end of July....

[Tropicbyjennifer]

Hi,

Did this skin condition get sorted? i May have something that can help.

Please PM me to discuss further.

Thanks

Tropicbyjennifer

[MCAC]

Magnesium oil is wonderful for the skin.you can get it in Holland and Barrett. Also magnesium salt for to put in the bath.

[Soylent Green]

Ask your GP for a liver function test if you have also been feeling unusually fatigued. My liver problems started with itching and tiredness which I attributed to age and eczema, however they are also symptomatic of early liver disease. I now have borderline cirrhosis, so I wished I had known the cause of my itching sooner and asked for a test.