Acne/Folliculitis

Hi Everyone, hope you are all managing as best as you can! I'm having a bit of a rough time with Acne and Folliculitis which appears to be getting worse. I've been on different antibiotics and they worked well for a limited amount of time but obviously it's not a long-term solution. My HBA1Cs are good and I've no other complications. It's just that I'm not the most confident person in the world and I'm 48 and find it extremely painful to have to go to work looking such a mess with (at times) very large and unsightly infections/acne. I have in the past been off sick because of this and luckily by line manager is understanding enough to support me but I don't want to keep taking time off sick. But it's really really getting me down now and none of the GPs I see want to refer me to a Dermatologist despite the adverse effect it has on my life (both working and private). They seem to think that they know exactly what a dermatologist would say to me but I'm not so sure. Anyway, I'd be grateful for any advice. Do you think I'm being silly taking time off because of how my face looks? You can be as brutal as you want - all advise is welcome at this time!!!!

Thanks for reading this.

Steve

Hi and thanks for your reply and welcome. Perhaps I didn't make it clear, but I have asked numerous GPs to be referred to a derm but they have all said no (not directly, but indirectly). I presume it's down to the usual overloading of the NHS and the need to prioritise (which I can understand to a certain extent)

Bluetit1802 said:

Hi Steve and welcome,

It must feel very debilitating to you and I'm sorry you have this complaint. I would also feel very embarrassed. However, dermatologists are the experts, not GP's. I think you are being very silly not going to see one. He may have the ideal solution to your problems, and if he doesn't, what harm has been done?

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No problem. Thank you for replying - it's much appreciated.

Bluetit1802 said:

Sorry, I need to go to Specsavers! I mis-read your post . I would push as hard as you can for a referral, or even pay for a consultation if you can afford it.

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Thanks for your reply and I'm sorry to hear about your Dad. It's a real drag - that's for sure. Saps every ounce of the little confidence I already have out of me haha. But could be worse. It's good to be able to chat to people who understand so that's a very good thing

Snowy12 said:

Hi Steve I feel for you my dad has suffered all his life and it was very hard for him also,he grew a beard to try to cover it up but he still had it on his forehead ect.He went onto a tablet that the doctor prescribed.Keep on at your doctor they are not doing there job properly if they will not help you.
Goodluck.

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Thank you all. Ironic that I've been bitten in the face by the big D - the one place everyone can see. Could be worse - much worse. But it kicks me hard. Guess I just need to find something to help me out (so to speak) Happy pricking everyone