Woman's Body Erupts in Rash After Medical Dismissals
A young woman has revealed how her entire body broke out in a horrific, scaly rash after years of doctors failing to take her symptoms seriously, leading to a shocking diagnosis of a chronic condition.
Years of Discomfort and Dismissal
Lily Thompstone, a 23-year-old content creator from Bury, Greater Manchester, says she has "always" suffered with severe gut issues and was frequently sick after meals. Medical professionals repeatedly attributed her problems to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), leaving her in persistent discomfort without proper investigation.
"I'd say to the doctors that something is not right in me, but because you couldn't see it physically no one knew what was going on," Lily explained. "I've always struggled with throwing up after meals."
A Sudden and Alarming Escalation
The situation took a dramatic turn when Lily woke one morning with "humongous" swollen lips, prompting an immediate visit to Accident and Emergency. She was treated with steroids, which reduced the swelling within 48 hours, but this was merely the beginning of her ordeal.
Under a month later, a mysterious rash appeared on her chest. Determined for answers, Lily visited three different GP surgeries. She received conflicting opinions, with one doctor diagnosing light sensitivity and another suggesting psoriasis. Despite these assessments, the rash aggressively spread.
Full-Body Outbreak and Personal Advocacy
The condition rapidly worsened, spreading from her neck to cover approximately 80-90% of her body. Lily described hundreds of "scaly" spots that caused stinging pain during showers. Photos show her skin covered in angry red blotches, a visible manifestation of her internal struggle.
"It spread all over. When I showered it would sting. There were hundreds of scaly spots," she recalled. "The psoriasis was my body signalling it needed help. I wasn't taken seriously. It was horrendous."
Lily believes the outbreak resulted from "chronic physical stress"—ignoring symptoms, poor dietary habits, and persistently pushing through discomfort because her concerns had been dismissed by medical professionals. This prolonged strain, she argues, compromised her nervous and immune systems.
The Turning Point and Final Diagnosis
Frustrated with the lack of progress through the NHS, Lily sought private medical care. After a year of relentless advocacy, she was diagnosed with endometriosis in June 2024. Surgeons discovered the condition was present "all over" her body.
Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to those lining the womb grow in other parts of the body, causing significant pain and health complications. Lily has since undergone two surgeries, the most recent in December 2025, after the condition recurred.
"I never contemplated having endometriosis," she admitted. "Whenever I went to the doctors and told them where the pain was they'd say it was IBS."
Mental Health Impact and a Message to Others
The visible rash severely affected Lily's confidence and mental wellbeing. "It had a mental effect on me, I felt the need to cover up because I was really embarrassed of it," she confessed. "It definitely impacted my confidence."
Despite the trauma, Lily now expresses gratitude for the rash, as it ultimately forced the medical investigation that led to her endometriosis diagnosis. She urges other women to persevere in seeking answers for their health concerns.
"Keep fighting, keep advocating for yourself," she advises. "I'm grateful for the psoriasis because if it wasn't for that happening I would not have discovered endometriosis. Let this be your sign to stop stressing your body out before it turns on you."
Lily managed to clear the rash after four to six weeks using a rented UVB lamp and salt baths, but the experience has left a lasting impression. Her story highlights the critical importance of patient advocacy, especially for women facing often-dismissed gynaecological conditions like endometriosis, which affects an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK.
