When to call 111 for pain - antibiotics not working?

[NowWeAreSuckingDiesel]

Has anyone suffered with Paronychia?

The pain is intense. I was given antibiotics on Thursday but they haven't helped and my thumb has continued to swell and pus is forming. So gross.

I asked my husband to drain it last night with a sterilised needle which provided some relief but it's back to being very painful.

I can't hold a pen or a knife and I'm wondering at which point I call 111 or the out of hours gp to explain the antibiotics aren't helping.

Help!

[Idonotlikeyoudonaldtrump]

If you’ve been on antibiotics for 48 hours I’d call. You might need to be seen to check there’s no abscess.

[NoBaggyPants]

It's always best to call if you're unsure, that's what they're there for.

Are you taking painkillers too?

[FaithInfinity]

Sounds like you might need IV antibiotics. Definitely time to call 111 with a view to getting seen in OOH.

[NowWeAreSuckingDiesel]

Thanks all. I went to the pharmacy who confirmed I can take paracetamol with the antibiotics (instructions said to check first) and said they might not kick in until the end of the course. My husband also drained it again and A LOT came out and it feels much much better for that. It's not got any bigger, just stayed the same and now I can take painkillers I'm going to give it another 24 hours and visit OOH if no change after half the course of antibiotics.

No more nail biting for me!

[NGC2017]

Different thing. But I had an ear infection on the 18th April. Was put on antibiotics and painkillers and by the Sunday it was unbearable. The pain was a hundred times worse. I called 111 and I had to laugh during the call or else I would of had to of screamed. I was sent straight to hospital. I explained to the advisor that laughing is my way of controlling things because I feel like I'm going mad with the pain. Antibiotics were increased and a spray antibiotic added. I had 4 visits to emergency care/hospital and 1 to my GP in the end to be given a completely different antibiotic. I finally got better the other day.
My advise would be if you aren't feeling an improvement with antibiotics for any ailment within 2 to 3 days call 111. It could be that the antibiotics are not right for you. I hope you are feeling better soon