Rash on lower legs, now awaiting result of blood test.

[Geminigirl]

I went back to my GP last week and said that I suspect the rash is probably connected to the fact that I have Underactive Thyroid and have taken Thyroxine tablets since October 2000.

The GP does not seem very interested but he gave me a form to have a blood test which I did today. I shall ask for the reading when the result comes back.

He did not respond to my suggestion that I might see a Dermotologist! I am using E45 cream and as my legs itch sometimes especially at night I use Lanarcane cream.

I get annoyed when some Doctors act as though we are wasting their time! In fact I rarely go to the surgery!

[Confused77]

I had a lot of problems with rashes on my legs, arms, face and neck and the GP seemed totally uninterested and even said to me that we would probably never know what was causing them - eventually my Endo told him to refer me to a Dermatologist and funnily enough he then decided that would be a good idea! Patch testing showed that I am allergic to two related preservatives which are in a heck of a lot of beauty, personal care and household cleaning products - methylisothiazolinone and chloromethylisothiazolinone. The rashes have completely gone since I gave up using products with these in. The Dermatologist told me that the government is planning to ban them but as they are in so many different products it's really difficult as a safer preservitive needs to be found. I certainly had to throw away a lot of stuff (even some L'Occitane products which surprised me) and I now read the ingredient lists on everything before I buy them although many household cleaning products don't list the ingredients, they just tell you to go to their website for a list which I'm surprised they are allowed to do. Organic and eco products rarely use them but, of course, they are usually expensive. What was the blood test for? I think you should push for a referal to a dermatologist - GPs don't seem to realise that rashes can not only be unsightly and embarrassing but also rather painful. Good luck!

[Geminigirl]

Thanks for your kind reply and helpful advice Confused! The rash appeared on my lower legs before Christmas and I mentioned this to my GP as I went tk see him when I had a chest infection. Of course he didn't seem at all concerned. I told him what creams I used and he just said to use E45 which I did but the problem has not gone away. I have been back to the GP twice since. He doesn't think it has anything to do with the thyroid but offered no advice othher than to tell me to have a blood test. He did give allergy tablets which I have taken if the rash is itchy. I just use Sanex in the bath, not soap. I shall give an updaate when I get the blood test result.

[Aurealis in reply to Geminigirl]

I had a lower leg rash which deteriorated fast while using E45 cream. GP prescribed Hydrous Ointment which cleared it up very quickly. I was surprised that E45 could have such a negative effect and haven't used it since.