Rash on an Alcoholic

[scampi2122]

Hi haven’t been in for a while, but I am keeping very well.

Don’t know if anyone can help can’t get my Alcoholic son a Docs appointment. He is covered in this rash mainly on his back but also on his abdomen. Any ideas what it might be, it doesnt itch but I tend to think it is caused by excessive drinking.

[scampi2122]

here is another pic

[xeno100 in reply to scampi2122]

Wow, that is incredible! I have just come on to ask the same thing. My stomach and side has come come out in a similar thing this morning. Not as bad though. I've had pains and itchiness all over my body for weeks. I think I might have cirrhosis. Only suspected. I was drinking last night. Stupid I know. (First time for several weeks). I had been a heavy drinker for a long time and cut back from 70 units a week to 35, so half, few years ago. But went on an all inclusive for two weeks! I ate and drank like a Trojan. Been suffering since.

[xeno100 in reply to xeno100]

I have some of those blood spots. Had those a while that appeared . But I have developed over night many raised spots like your son. I scratched them and they bled slightly.

Now I had an ultrasound yesterday so don't know if a reaction from the gel. But I don't think so as I also had it applied to my left, and nothing that side.

[Ubwa in reply to xeno100]

"I think I might have cirrhosis. Only suspected. I was drinking last night. Stupid I know."

Beyond. I'd get my liver checked out before drinking again if you suspect that. ESLD and a transplant are not fun.

[Readlots]

Could it be shingles? nhs.uk/conditions/shingles/

Worth getting it checked by the GP. You can get treatment if it’s identified soon enough. If you can’t get to the GP ask for a nurse appointment.

[redpoint72]

Hello there . I tend to agree with readlots,could it be shingles?

I had shingles several years ago, and looked very similar ,with a crust on the top....can also be abit painfull where the rash is....

My best. Chris

[scampi2122]

Thanks for yr replies, I don’t think it’s shingles, there is no pain or soreness. I think it is probably due to excessive drinking, at some point the Gp might see him but currently only offering telephone appointments in 2 weeks.

[AyrshireK in reply to scampi2122]

I'd be saying to the GP receptionist that it 'looks' like shingles rash because if it is shingles and he does have a liver problem then potentially it could cause him issues and he needs the antiviral treatment a.s.a.p. It can't wait for a phone appointment in two weeks. Failing that get him to see a community pharmacist as they may be able to rule in or out it being shingles & some can potentially even prescribe the medication he needs.

There is also liver rash which can occur in all kinds of liver disease.

Just a wee aside maybe reconsider keeping calling your son your 'alcoholic son' ........ he's your son who has a problematic relationship with alcohol. Don't add to his stigma by referring to him as your alcoholic son, he's your son who you obviously care about deeply so as to be so concerned about his health difficulties. As a forum which offers support to all we don't tend to stick the label 'alcoholic' on anyone and we are trying to destigmatize liver disease.

Does your son have a liver diagnosis?- I believe you have cirrhosis due to PSC or it was being investigated at some point. Your son needs help with his drinking and perhaps an assessment on where his health is at and if he isn't yet seeing a hospital consultant then that may be a next step. Obviously, your son has to want to do all this, it's not something you can force on a grown adult.

Best wishes,

Katie

[scampi2122 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks for this, very useful, I will try GP again. Being a recovering alcoholic myself, also with PSC, I probably tend to use the term alcoholic frequently as I that’s what I accept I am, I just no longer drink. I take on board what you say, he is my son and it is heartbreaking looking after him, will try GP again today. Thanks to everyone else who has commented. Will update when I have further news.

[Charlie15melissaabb in reply to scampi2122]

I was the same the thing that stopped me drinking was I was in and out of a coma but hopefully you will find out the questions you’re self and hopefully get a little better day by day good luck

[Morkmindy in reply to scampi2122]

I don't like alcoholic either to me it's like higher tax bracket someone on50 grand pays same code as millionaire think more people would be honest if that label was approached differently there's only don't drink or alcoholic I think I liked drink could stop and have two years I functioned quite well didn't know thing till routine blood test we are lovely people who used alcohol which is so assessable theese days to feel better some gamble some sex some food some drugs smoking list is endless I have damaged liver and kidneys which were fine till duretics so best thing no alcohol iv guilt tripped myself many times so that's why I don't like word alcoholic I don't want drink for now that's fine by me sorry but I hope all you lovely people are well

[BritishLiverTrust8 Moderator British Liver Trust]

Dear Scampi2122

If you [are in the UK and] would find it useful to talk things over, our nurse-led helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm on 0800 652 7330 (excluding bank holidays).

Best wishes

British Liver Trust

[Roy1955]

If it is shingles the antivirals only work if started within a few days of the rash appearing (5 I think). Point that out to the GPS receptionist.

[Chick_atee]

I am a recovered alcoholic and never got a rash. I suppose it could be any number of things really. If he won’t go to GP then the pharmacist could have a look but I would say GP best port call (may refer him to dermatology).

Good luck and I hope he goes for help with his alcohol problem. Meeting’s or a 28 day programme work well.

If he is alcoholic then it usually cannot be done on one’s own.

[Chick_atee in reply to Chick_atee]

Apologies, I said won’t go to GP. I meant if the GP can’t see him! Sorry.

[scampi2122 in reply to Chick_atee]

you are so right, it is very difficult to do alone. I slip easily into the labels of alcoholic or addict, I think I have spent so much time in meetings and with other alcoholics and addicts in and out recovery. I forget there is any stigma attached to these labels.

[Bacon123]

Those are some of the symptoms of cirrhosis. Take him to the ER and tell him he needs to stop drinking NOW or he'll end up like my son - End stage liver disease.

[scampi2122 in reply to Bacon123]

I am sad to hear that, I fear for my son, but unfortunately am unable to control decisions he chooses to make. I always hope and pray, he will find a way to recovery.