Concerns Over Prolonged Rash: Seeking Advice
My partner, a 28-year-old male in good health with no existing medical issues and a non-smoker, has been struggling with a persistent rash for nearly nine months. What began as a rash the size of a pear on his abdomen has continued to enlarge significantly over time, causing increasing concern. Despite multiple visits to healthcare professionals, we’ve only received treatment suggestions for ringworm and various creams and medications. A referral to a dermatology clinic has been made, but we’ve learned that the wait time could extend to 72 weeks through the NHS. Recently, we observed that the rash is now extending down his leg. Notably, it is not accompanied by any itching, flakiness, or scaling. The physician seems to believe there is nothing further to address at this stage. Given our growing anxiety regarding this situation, we are contemplating seeking private care. I'm curious if anyone has insights or recommendations on this matter. Should we insist on conducting a blood test? I am beginning to worry that there might be an underlying issue that’s being overlooked, though perhaps I’m simply being overly anxious after months of this condition. I'll include additional details in the comments.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 8:30:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand your concern about your partner's persistent rash, especially given its duration and recent changes. While an evaluation of the underlying cause is essential, the good news is that there are steps you can take to address the situation effectively.
Summary of Main Points:
- The rash has been persistent for nine months and has been enlarging, which is concerning.
- Dermatology referrals can take a long time, and your partner's symptoms are not typical of common conditions like ringworm.
- It's reasonable to consider further evaluation, particularly if the rash is extending or changing.
Explanation:
A rash that lasts for months and continues to grow could be a sign of various skin conditions, some of which may need further investigation. Since your partner has received treatments for ringworm without improvement, it may indicate the need for a different diagnosis altogether. It's reassuring that he has no itching, flakiness, or scaling, as these symptoms can often help identify conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
Given that the dermatologist appointment might take a long time, it's understandable to feel anxious. Exploring private care for a more prompt evaluation is valid, especially if it helps reduce anxiety and provides more answers.
Next Steps:
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Document Changes: Keep a detailed record of the rash's appearance, including size and color changes, and any other symptoms over time. This will provide valuable information to any healthcare provider.
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Seek Immediate Second Opinion: Considering the long wait for dermatology through the NHS, seeking a private consultation may expedite getting a professional assessment, particularly from a dermatologist.
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Consider Further Testing: Discuss with the healthcare provider about the possibility of a blood test to assess for any underlying conditions, especially if anything unusual becomes apparent in the rash or overall health.
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Self-care Measures: Until further evaluation, focus on maintaining good skin hygiene and avoiding known irritants (like heavy soaps or tight clothing) that might aggravate the skin condition.
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Stay Proactive: If you notice any significant changes in his overall health (like fever or other systemic symptoms), seek immediate medical attention.
It's completely natural to feel anxious after such a prolonged issue, but addressing it with a clear plan can help alleviate some of those worries. Let me know if you need more guidance or additional information!
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