[Mari]

Hi,

I made what felt like a bunch of dr-type calls Tuesday and have more to do to straighten out my life.
Did I tell you that I am depressed and sad and (oh yeah) anxious?

My regular dermatologist does not "see rashes." Can you believe that!!!!
I am seeing someone else in the practice for the rash and I am finding that very unsettling.
(I get unsettled about nearly everything these days.)

The rash is tiny bumps that have grown in number a little -- total of 25 on the right wrist line and a few on the right arm.
I got concerned when I awoke Tuesday to new bumps (4) on my pinky finger on my left hand.

They itch sometimes.

I feel like I am over reacting. I am fighting the urge to cancel the appointment with this new guy who has never seen my skin before. How does he know what is is looking for? And what if these little bumps are insignificant?

Mari

[BlueMajo]

(((Mari)))

Depression with anxiety is a bad combo for sure ! Wish I had a good remedy for that

About the rash, give this guy a try... If he doesnt see anything in your skin, but you still feel it itchy, what about buying an oitment like bepanthene ? Do you have that there ? It calms my skin when it is irritated or itching

Warm hugs your way.

[waves]

Originally Posted by Mari

Hi,

I made what felt like a bunch of dr-type calls Tuesday and have more to do to straighten out my life.
Did I tell you that I am depressed and sad and (oh yeah) anxious?

You did well. I am sorry you are feeling so bad.

My regular dermatologist does not "see rashes." Can you believe that!!!! I am seeing someone else in the practice for the rash and I am finding that very unsettling.

Well that does suck. I would be upset about that too.

The rash is tiny bumps that have grown in number a little -- total of 25 on the right wrist line and a few on the right arm.
I got concerned when I awoke Tuesday to new bumps (4) on my pinky finger on my left hand.

They itch sometimes.

The itch makes it sound like an allergy, but it could also be a stress reaction. It is important for you to see the doctor since it is getting worse. The good news is that it seems to be worsening only slowly.

I feel like I am over reacting. I am fighting the urge to cancel the appointment with this new guy who has never seen my skin before. How does he know what is is looking for?

You are entitled to your feelings. I would just caution you not to let them interfere with behavior here. A specialized doc does not need to have seen your skin before to dx a rash or anomaly. I am sure the doc with whom they set you up, who apparently does "see rashes", will be well qualified to help you. Please give him a chance. When is the appointment?

And what if these little bumps are insignificant?

Better safe than sorry. There are too many considerations here to write them off without a doctor's opinion. Even if it is a simple thing, there are "simple" skin conditions can get become very bothersome if left untreated.

Hang in there.

waves

[Mari]

I am so fed up.
It is a full time job to keep track of stuff on the phone. (Many calls today again.)

The first time I called the potential new pdoc, the hold time on the phone was 20 mins.

Today it was five mins-- I need to confirm time and ask about records getting sent to her.

I think I should cancel rash doctor today -- I am crying and overwhelmed.

Mari

[waves]

Mari

I don't know what to say about the rash doctor. You don't sound too uncomfortable, skin-wise, and the progression appears slow. You haven't mentioned the rash weeping so presumably it is dry? (Weeping can mean infection -no weeping is a good thing.)

Also do me a favor and check your temp. If you have a temp, please keep the appointment and mention the temp. It would be a good idea to keep the appointment if the rash is weepy also.

If your temp is normal and the rash is dry (only sx being redness, bumps, occasional itch), I think it would be ok to postpone the skin doctor. I'd like to see you get in there this week though. Maybe Friday would be an easier day for you?

----------------------

Yuck about the 20-min hold time with the pdoc's office. In a crisis situation that would not be good, to say the least!

Try to hang in there, Mari. Just do what you can for today. If you need to cancel the appointment do so.

waves

[Mari]

Originally Posted by waves

Yuck about the 20-min hold time with the pdoc's office. In a crisis situation that would not be good, to say the least!

Try to hang in there, Mari. Just do what you can for today. If you need to cancel the appointment do so.

waves

Waves,

No weeping. Some of the bumps seem to have fluid.

The doc took a scraping to grow it to see if it is a fungus. They will call in two weeks with results.
He asked if I have been near mangos.( I have). I said yes. He is VERY allergic to mangos.

He told me to wash with Cetaphil soap (no -- I am extremy sensitive to scents) and sent a 'script of a steroid cream to the pharmacy that I can pick up in a few hours.

I did not undress for the visit thank goodness. -- don't laugh but I was not up to letting anyone deal with more than my hands.
After four hrs of sleep last night I feel like sleeping for a few days.


I guess i will call to tell hubby he can have the mango he was saving.

M

[Dmom3005]

Mari

Good for keeping the appt. I really think it was needed.

I think you can find another thing to wash the hands with.

Donna

[bizi]

I am glad that you went and am glad he responded to you.....the culture will grow any thing bacteria if it is an infection or fungal. so he did well. sorry that your reg derm doesn't see rashes.
sorry about the wait time 20 minutes is too long they should have taken your number down and called you back.
((((HUGS))))
bizi

[BlueMajo]

((((Mari))))

I hate phone calls, so I can relate

Maybe yes, take the time off today and regroup and, you can take care of your skin these days and re-program the app

Warm hugs.

[waves]

Mari,

GREAT job on getting to the skin doctor's! He sounded very thorough in running a culture. Now you can relax.

It is a good sign that he felt safe prescribing steroid cream. If there is no infection, you might well be cleared up - or close - by the time the lab results are in.

-------
So... he thought it might be an allergic reaction to mango? You have had mango before, I thought, no? Maybe this was a different variety or there was something on them? Weird.

Then again things we haven't reacted to before can sometimes trigger allergic reactions. Stress level increases susceptibility too.

I hope you get some good rest tonight.



waves