Rheumatology versus Dermatology

[Kwarshel06]

I was wondering if anyone that suffers from Lupus rashes or lesions have had luck seeing a Dermatologist for treatment ? The reason I ask is I am on a waiting list for another 8 weeks to be seen sooner at a Rheumatology appt and with summer here and if you look at my previous post , I would love treatment of my skin issues sooner. I have now developed the small red rash like areas as well all over as well as intermittent ones on my neck

[MVJohn62]

My rheumatologist always refers me to a dermatologist if blisters goes violent.

It is always better to consult a dermatologist also since biopsy if required wil be helpful in treatment.

[panda2]

Definitely yes. It was me who first thought there was no need for a dermatologist if I was seeing a rheumatologist, since the skin issues were being caused systemically. However, I could not have been more wrong. My Rheumy sent me for 2 biopsies at Dermatology and I now find myself as a patient in their department too, as something is going on with my mast cells that Dermatology spotted. He made sure to say that my Rheumatologist would head up my treatment and he would communicate directly with her on my behalf. So...yes. Do try to get a dermatology appt. All luck! Panda x

[elizaSunflower]

Yes! I'm in the states, but I had a similar situation. I had a 3 month wait to see the rheumatologist so I asked if I could see a dermatologist in the meantime. My gp agreed (he already suspected Lupus). The dermatologist did skin biopsies which confirmed. He started me on hydrxychlooquine and steroid creams, so by the time I got to the rheumy I looked and felt much better, but I had the records from derm and the skin biopsies definitely helped me get my diagnosis. I still see both but on the whole I feel more supported and taken care of by the dermatologist. It may just be personalities, but definitely worth a shot. Especially with the rheumatologist wait time. Good luck!

[A-r-c-h-I-e]

No doubt please see a Dermatologist as they have all the answers. Good luck

[Ericanemec in reply to A-r-c-h-I-e]

I agree!

[Lisalou19]

I have an appointment in a rheumatologist/dermatologist department. It’s a new clinic. Seems someone is linking the 2 together and maybe get quicker results as 2 minds are better than 1. X

[Ericanemec]

Yes! See a dermatologist!I like mine better than my rheumatologist anyways! For some reason my dermatologist is more educated about lupus than my rheumatologist is is all I know.