Is It Necessary to Schedule a Private Appointment for a Rash?
Hello, I’m a 26-year-old female living in the UK. For the past 17 days, I’ve been dealing with a bright red area on my side that I first observed on August 22nd. Despite using hydrocortisone for three days and trying an antifungal treatment, there hasn’t been any noticeable improvement. The affected area is flat and does not itch. Today, I visited a dermatologist who has arranged for a biopsy on the 29th, which is still 20 days away. I can’t get an appointment with my NHS GP until next Tuesday, and I’m worried about the possibility of Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC).
Answers (1)
9/8/2025, 8:50:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a persistent rash, especially with thoughts of serious conditions like Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC). However, it's important to know that there are many possible causes for rashes, most of which are not serious.
Main Points:
- Your situation is monitored: You have an appointment for a biopsy, which is a good step toward understanding what's causing the rash.
- Many causes exist: Rashes can result from various factors, including allergies, infections, and benign skin conditions.
Explanation:
You’ve been experiencing a bright red area on your side for 17 days, which has not responded to over-the-counter treatments. While it’s wise to have these symptoms evaluated, it's reassuring to remember that IBC typically presents with other symptoms, such as swelling, changes in breast shape, and sometimes pain or itching—not just a flat red area.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor the Rash: Keep an eye on the rash for any changes, such as increased size, color alteration, itching, or the development of new symptoms like swelling or warmth in the area.
-
Self-Care: Continue with gentle care of the area. Avoid harsh soaps and chemicals, and try to keep the area clean and dry. If you have any adverse reactions to products, discontinue use.
-
Document Changes: Write down any changes in the rash or new symptoms that occur daily. This information may be helpful for your dermatologist during your biopsy appointment.
-
Follow-up with Your GP: Since you have an appointment with your NHS GP next Tuesday, you can discuss your symptoms further, express your concerns about the length of time until the biopsy, and whether any urgent measures can be taken to alleviate anxiety or improve care in the meantime.
-
Stay Informed: While waiting for your appointments, if you feel comfortable, you may want to research more information about common rash causes to help ease concerns—though do focus on reputable sources.
Remember, while it's natural to worry, many rashes are benign and can be managed effectively with appropriate care. Don't hesitate to reach out for support in the meantime, whether that's from friends or online communities.
Related Questions
When Should You Consult a Doctor About Back Pain?
I'm a 19-year-old female, standing at 5'8" and weighing around 165 pounds, though my exact weight fluctuates due to my treatment for anorexia. The sole medical issue that might be relevant is that my initial DEXA scan in April indicated osteoporosis, alongside some unspecified joint problems. I can provide a complete list of my prescription medications if necessary, and I also supplement with various over-the-counter vitamins, including calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D. Recently, I've been dealing with sharp pain located in the middle of my back for the past ten days. This discomfort intensifies when I'm lying down, greatly affecting both my sleep duration and quality. Additionally, the pain worsens significantly if I attempt to roll or twist my neck, or particularly my spine. The only notable change in my routine involves transitioning from being nearly entirely inactive for over a year, including several months of bed rest, to now attending a large university. This shift entails walking over seven miles daily, usually while carrying a backpack, and occasionally engaging in light weight training during my spare time. My primary concern stems from my history of osteoporosis and previous experiences with stress fractures; the sensation I'm feeling is somewhat reminiscent of that prior pain. Should I be worried? When is it advisable to seek medical evaluation for this issue?
Incidence of Fetal Rib Injury in Pregnancy
At 23 weeks gestation, I’m curious about a rather alarming experience. I may have inadvertently applied enough pressure with my feet to fracture my mother's ribcage—she ended up with two broken ribs due to my nudging. How prevalent is such an occurrence? This situation sounds terrifying, and it certainly reassures me that I won’t be experiencing pregnancy myself.
28-Year-Old Male Suffering from Anal Rash for Several Months – Occasional Itchiness, Mostly at Night
For the past few months, I've been dealing with a persistent rash around my anal area that tends to become itchy, predominantly during the night. Despite my efforts to maintain cleanliness using a bidet and regular showers, the irritation remains. I'm puzzled about the cause of this condition and am seeking advice on potential treatments. I do have some topical steroids left over from a previous concern last year—could this be useful?
Concerns About Joint Discomfort
I am a 18-year-old, standing at 5'1" and weighing around 115 lbs, and I am experiencing significant discomfort in my joints. Although I have never been formally diagnosed with any mobility, bone, or joint conditions, this issue has been persisting for a few years now. I've noticed a frequent popping sound in my joints, particularly in my right ankle and knee, which seem to accumulate pressure leading to intense pain that dominates my attention. To alleviate this pressure, I find myself needing to pop these joints frequently; simply by adjusting my leg slightly causes a pop every time, but it often results in a considerable amount of pain afterward. This recurring issue with my joints has been ongoing for approximately a year and a half. I typically have to relieve this pressure multiple times each night before I sleep. More recently, I have begun to experience similar pressure buildup in my right hip, where I also encounter problems with popping. However, the action does not seem to ease the pressure in this case at all. Due to my daily routine, I navigate stairs twice each day to attend classes, and I notice my hip pops nearly every time I lift my leg. A few years ago, I faced a comparable situation with my big toe, which eventually resolved itself after a couple of months and became more flexible than all my other toes. Additionally, I'm not sure if this is related, but I've noticed that my fingers tend to lock up in cold weather, resulting in severe pain when I try to move them. If the temperature in a classroom dips below 60 degrees, I struggle to write notes, which has become increasingly problematic. Is there a possibility that these concerns are interconnected? Are there any remedies or advice that could assist me in addressing these issues? I would greatly appreciate any insights!
Seeking Assistance for My Back Pain
I’m a 33-year-old female experiencing persistent discomfort in my lower back for quite some time. Over the past six months to a year, this pain has intensified, radiating towards my hip area, almost as if there’s an issue within the bone itself. Additionally, the discomfort has recently extended down the backside of my right leg. I frequently deal with numbness and tingling sensations in my buttocks, legs, and feet. Furthermore, I've encountered difficulty with bowel movements. I underwent an MRI, but my healthcare provider only addressed the disc problems in my spine. When I inquired about the specific area causing my pain, they seemed unaware and hadn’t examined the imaging properly, having only read the findings reported. I’m reaching out in hopes that someone can shed light on this situation; I’m feeling quite anxious and would like some clarity. Also, just for context, it has now been three years since my last childbirth.