My wife has a very bad rash in her back and needs help. She has been to her primary care doc who gave a cream that does not work. She has been to the er who could not help and said see a dermatologist and gave her a pill and powder that does not work. Her in home nurses say she needs a dermatologist but can not get her primary to respond. Her primary is refusing to return calls and refer a dermatologist. I can only get an appointment with a referral. How do I get help?
A good place to start.
And do know that dermatology is best guess/ each patient a mystery, and you may NEVER find an answer or the medication that will work. It is crucial to keep back warm and dry, go over any medications that are new, keep your wife off her back much as possible. Use mild soap in laundry (not much soap at all) and keep absorbant cotton underwear changed frequently next to her back.
Wishing you good luck. Sometimes medications simply cause rebound allergy and creams as well. The best thing is open to air or soft cotton.
Get a new PCP for your wife if the current one is refusing to return calls.
Good luck.
Call the nurse line (insurance companies provide this service) and tell THEM the problem.
I see from your profile that your wife is in Assisted Living. I would check the laundry to see what type of detergent and softener products they are using. If they are using "free and clear" type products then it isn't the laundry.
Any new clothing? One could become allergic to certain man-made fabrics. Is there a tag on the clothing and maybe your wife is scratching as it itches?
Any new medicine? Not unusual for prescription or over-the-counter meds to have an allergic reaction.
Any lotion being applied to your wife back to soften the skin? If yes, could be the lotion.
As for why the primary doctor isn't calling, could it be that you and your wife are not giving the meds enough time to work?
1. Are you in one of those plans which requires permission from a primary to get a referral? If not, start doctor shopping for a different primary care doctor. If you are in a plan and require a primary's referral, call the plan HQ and file a complaint about a disinterested doctor, and demand a different one.
2. If you're not in a plan and can choose, start researching dermatologists, call, and find out as much as you can about the doctor's experience, treatment of an undiagnosed but stubborn skin issue, and other questions you may have.
Another option is to lean on a good doctor you do have, and ask for his/her suggestions on a good dermatologist.
If you find a more responsible doctor, be sure to call the then fired dermatologist and let him/her know he/she has been replaced.
3. Then file a complaint with the state medical board.
Good luck. I've had to fire a few doctors and never regretted it.
In my experience with eldercare and skin issues--it's almost always a new detergent that's highly fragranced. Also, clothing that isn't rinsed enough. Do small loads and double rinse. No softener sheets--and maybe dry the clothes outside on a line.
Same thing with bedding, although I'd imagine they won't let you take home her sheets & blankets. Maybe, though?
It could also be caused by a change in diet. I was never allergic to anything when I was younger, now I have a handful of odd things I can't tolerate.
Good luck with the derm dr. My DH got a reminder that he had a derm appt coming up, so he called and the FIRST available date was January. Crazy.