I’m after advice and maybe help. I’ve had a horror of a day at hospital. I’ve had a rash on my foot for the past 7 years and have had various diagnosis’ including eczema etc- and have seen a dermatologist and have tried 3 different creams etc (increasing in strength each time) nothing has shifted it. It comes and goes in a very cyclical manner.
my amazing nurse asked how it was this time and looked at the 20 plus blisters on my foot and said she wanted the Dr. to look at it.
Eventually the Dr. came and did not examine my foot at any closeness but as she approached me said: It eczema- I was a little taken aback by her tone.
I explained that i had eczema and this had been treated but wasn’t clearing up in fact it was worse than ever. I explained that a good friend (doctor in another country) had suggested it might be Palmoplantar Pustulosis psoriasis a rare, recurrent inflammatory disorder. Basically lots of blisters on feet. She said “ you have been given a medical definition”. Her entire attitude was dismissive adding you’ve “obviously spoken to more knowledgable person in another country so what’s their diagnosis” I was a bit taken aback and I said they told me to speak with you-
She said we don’t do skin conditions… and we can make a referral to a dermatologist…
she then left and the nurse apologised for her attitude and said she can be like this! adding I wish I hadn’t asked her in now.
I’ve never had anything other than amazing care from my RA team but this has really rattled me. What would you do and has anyone heard of this condition?
I overacting as I do have a lot tooth/jaw ache at the moment
thanks in advance x
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Ra35
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Hi Ra. There is no excuse for her attitude. She was clearly annoyed that you had spoken to another doctor in another country but you are entitled to speak to whoever you want. The nurse was concerned enough about it to ask the doctor to take a look and judging by the nurses dismay at the doctor's attitude justifies the way you are feeling. I wouldn't let this pass and would complain via PALS and ask them to make sure you have been referred to a dermatologist. As you have already seen a dermatologist perhaps you could get back to them and ask for a review.and mention what happened with the rheumatologist. It sounds as if it isn't just eczema and your doctor friend may well be right. Either way the Rheumatologist should not have treated you like that.
That’s horrible, I don’t think you are overreacting at all. It’s not surprising you feel disappointed with your treatment. You have to wonder why such unpleasant people choose to become doctors don’t you.
At least you could go home - the poor nurse having to work with her day in day out. I’ve just looked up PPP patient.info/doctor/psorias... and it looks as if you do need to see a dermatologist - hopefully the obnoxious doctor did refer you. You could always complain to PALS about her but is it worth the effort - although if it stops her in her rude little tracks it might be.
My husband had very bad eczema as he was growing up and even in adulthood - although he has pretty much grown out of it now . Eventually after we were married he was allergy tested and found to be allergic to lanolin - the very thing that he was told to use and was rubbing it in by the gallon for most of his life and which as it turned out was doing him no good. So it might be worth looking into that too.
I hope you can get the help you need and just bear in mind there’s nothing wrong with you or your lovely helpful nurse - it’s the extremely rude doctor who is the problem.
I agree with others, there was no call fir the dr to be rude to you in that way. Keep in mind that psoriasis is another autoimmune disease, and she, as a rheumatologist should know that better than anyone. There should be a high index of suspicion for psoriasis, as "where one autoimmune disease goes, others will follow".
hi I work in the nhs and I would lodge an official complaint. There is no excuse for that behaviour. I also have a blister rash on my feet for the last 2 yrs with numerous diagnosis and creams no success. Seeing dermatologist in November for different reason but going to ask while I am there. X
I was diagnosed with Palmoplantar Pustulosis in 2012. The small pustules erupt/split and turn a brown or red colour. It is debilitating and difficult to control but with the right treatment it is manageable. You need to be referred to a Consultant Dermatologist as quickly as possible. There are a number of skin diseases that are linked to Psoriatic Arthritis and unfortunately, I have both PsA and RA. It maybe that you have a different skin condition, but it is a Dermatologist who will determine what is happening with your skin and not a Rheumatologist.
We are all going through difficult and challenging times, but being ill and dealing with pain can make us vulnerable to the unacceptable behavior of those we place our trust in. You need to address the conduct and behavior of this Doctor as ignoring it will not help you or anyone else who encounters her. You can complain via PALS or your hospital Feedback Team
I hope you see a Dermatologist very soon and you get your diagnosis and treatment quickly. I'm sorry you had such a bad consultation, shame on the Doctor!
What a horrid undermining experience! I do not have that particular foot problem .
But I was treated in exactly the same way in rheumatology yesterday.
I have posted about my problems with this department ( but I can’t find my last post).
I waited years to be seen face to face , in those years I was prescribed 2 biologic medications ( ny phone) . These made me ill
I hot advice from our advice team here as to how to procede . Yesterday , full of hope and calm and, a written list of questions.
Not one was answered !! The consultant was amazingly defensive. I wish I had had someone in there with me.
I asled for a multidisciplinary consultation . This was refused.
I pointed out I had a foot problem « see a foot specialist »
A toe nail problem « see a dermatologidt »
A sudden eye problem « see eye department »
All of these conditions could be linked to the form of arthritis I was told I had. He then told me I didn’t have that form . Completely at a loss , all confidence gone , I asked what I did have . I have no answer.
At no point has the Dr touched or examined me .
I was offered Methotrexate and handed a leaflet.
The receptionist looked at me sympathetically as I came out. She gave me the telephone number of another rheumatologist.
No wonder you feel like you do. There is no excuse for anyone in any profession to speak to you in that manner. I would write a letter to your Practice Manager explaining how you feel and that her attitude was inappropriate. She could be putting people off going to see the doctor. She needs to be put in her place. Good luck.
I have been diagnosed with Palmoplantar pustulosis, and am about to undergo light treatment in the hope that this will help. I found the New Zealand dermatology site to be very informative, and there are photographs which show the condition, from which I thought this is what I have. When I mentioned this at one of the appointments at dermatology, they confirmed this is the site they use too.
What a horrible experience you’ve had. It’s bad enough having the problems we have in the first place, without doctors being rude.
I had a rash last year on my foot and was misdiagnosed by 111 and photos as shingles. Stopped Baricitinib and even given antivirals! When it didn’t clear my own GP (by photos ) said it wasn’t shingles but could be fungal or another thing -can’t remember name but autoimmune causing blisters. I had to send photos to rheumy nurse and rheumatologist said it wasn’t that. I was referred to lovely dermatologist (I used a few different creams by then and the rash had gone) who said by process of eliminating it was probably fungal. I have since had a few fungal infections and rheumatologist said it could be because of Baricitinib. We need to check things with the rheumatologist because they could be autoimmune or an effect of the medication we have to take. I’m sorry you was dismissed and made to feel like that. I have spoken to PALS in the past and good to know they are there.
sounds as it needs taking further , also we are also get told not to speak to health staff in aggressive tone , but they do it to us and we just have to get on with it , not right they not going through the worry or pain ,?I did end of life nursing care for 14 yrs and compassion is one of the most important things , also pain is where the patient says it is , you push forward this , good luck 👍
I’d see another Dermy….don’t mention your friend’s diagnosis…Dr’s don’t like someone else diagnosing something they have never heard of…but say you read it somewhere…that way the Dermy can be all superior…(& probably pretend to be looking at your notes on his PC but actually looking up the condition) ..& he will either agree …..or not!But if he does … you can go back and next time you see that antsy Rheumatologist ….you can say you are sure she will be really pleased you’ve got an answer…..because hopefully the Dermy will have some sort of answer/treatment? Do you think or have you asked if it might be caused by any long term medication you have been on ?Good Luck…hope you get it cleared up….it sounds very uncomfortable…whatever it’s called!
This might help, its amazing, i find if i get any bad cuts etc it clears up after a few days, they dont like giving it out as its so expensive, ended up with a sore that turned into a huge ulcer, was prescribed so many different creams & antibiotics, a nurse used this & within a couple of weeks it cleared up. Just bought these small ones from the chemist, only 2 inches & £1.58 each (thereabouts)
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