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AIBU?

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Original poster

To take dd to A&E or wait to see GP

306 replies

Dewdrops1 · 07/07/2024 15:21

Hi all?

I know you can’t diagnose on here but concerned I may be wasting A&Es precious resources instead of waiting to see GP tomorrow.

we’ve just come back from holiday in Europe. 2 days ago DD who is teenager woke with a big egg sized lump on one side of forehead. No injury. She said she did squeeze a spot gently but not sure if that did it. Nothing obvious seen other than swelling. Yesterday the lump went down but the swelling spread to center of forehead and in between eyes and top of nose. The swelling has ‘flattened’ out but over a larger area and makes her forehead look slightly distorted. There’s no redness but is slightly warm to touch and tender. Dd said it’s giving her a slight headache and uncomfortable feeling.

Im worried it could be some sort of infection and it’s going near her eyes, or could it be a bug bite and I’m overthinking. So would you take her to A&E or go to GP tomorrow? The swelling isn’t massive but never experienced swelling spreading on forehead like that before (moved away from original lump) so not sure if it’s something I need to be concerned about (also nothing similar on google).

thanks for your advice in advance 🙂

OP posts:
AutismTimesTwo · 07/07/2024 15:46

Experience of cellulitis in our house which needed IV ABs.

I would not hesitate to take my teen to A and E with this symptoms. I would not be messing about with a possible infection on the face so close to the eyes.

AlwaysFreezing · 07/07/2024 15:44

I'd totally want that checked today. Ooo GP at least, failing that A&E. That isn't normal.

lljkk · 07/07/2024 15:44

If NHS111 can look at a photo, I'd go for that option.
It's not clear to me that OP's DD feels bad.
If it were truly serious I'd expect her to be feeling rather rough, not just a bit of headache.
So although I don't like the 'growing' aspect, I doubt I'd go to A&E on current picture.

Toptwins · 07/07/2024 15:44

I’d be off to A&E with that.

MotherofChaosandDestruction · 07/07/2024 15:43

I'd call 111 and explain but to be honest I probably would go to a&e for unexplained swelling on the head, if anti histamine hasn't worked.

Starlight7080 · 07/07/2024 15:42

You should get it checked . Why wait ? It's not a normal thing to just happen

Lollypop701 · 07/07/2024 15:41

111 and they will ask for a photo so gp can have a look. Hope all goes ok op

CCLCECSC · 07/07/2024 15:41

If it's hot to touch it's infected and will need antibiotics. If a pharmacist is open on a Sunday afternoon they may be able to dispense but I'd be heading to urgent care centre or out of hours gp

Dewdrops1 · 07/07/2024 15:39

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

RedHelenB · 07/07/2024 15:39

aodirjjd · 07/07/2024 15:33

was if really the size of an egg?

If it was I'd have been in A & E immediately if I were OP. 111 is the obvious thing to do.

Janiie · 07/07/2024 15:38

As others have said why not get a out of hours gp appointment? It's what they are there for.
Lumps and bumps aren't accidents or emergencies.

Aligirlbear · 07/07/2024 15:34

Phone 111 they will be best placed to diagnose / get you an out of hours appointment at a UTC which might avoid a long wait at A&E. ( a photo on Mumsnet won’t help with a diagnosis )

aodirjjd · 07/07/2024 15:33

was if really the size of an egg?

Original poster
Dewdrops1 · 07/07/2024 15:33

Countrygirlxo · 07/07/2024 15:32

Is it itchy?

No not itching at all just tender, looks like fluid under skin.

OP posts:
Countrygirlxo · 07/07/2024 15:32

Is it itchy?

Original poster
Dewdrops1 · 07/07/2024 15:31

Thanks all, that’s what I was thinking possible cellulitis but it doesn’t look red, just lighter colour I’d say. I haven’t got thermometer but temp seems ok and she’s not feeling ill other than head slightly uncomfortable. The swelling has definitely got bigger but flatter if that makes sense, away from original swelling. I’ll see if I can post a pic now.

OP posts:
ResisterOfTwaddleRex · 07/07/2024 15:31

I'm with those saying A&E as could be cellulitis. Happened to a friend of mine. I wouldn't take risks.

TemuSpecialBuy · 07/07/2024 15:31

I would 💯 be going to a&e

Id be concerned about Cellulitis, sepsis or infection if it warm to touch

MissingKitty · 07/07/2024 15:30

111 or a walk in centre

ThePure · 07/07/2024 15:29

A&E. It sounds like cellulitis (skin infection) which can be very serious especially if involving anywhere near the eyes. She will likely need antibiotics as soon as possible

sleekcat · 07/07/2024 15:29

I would go to a walk in centre if you have one. Otherwise, call 111

HollyFern1110 · 07/07/2024 15:28

Do you have a middle ground anywhere near you? A minor injuries unit or an urgent treatment centre? 111 should be able to point you in the right direction.

If DD starts to feel very unwell then absolutely go to A&E.

Ponderingwindow · 07/07/2024 15:28

If you have access to an urgent care that would be the ideal, but if not, then a&e. It shouldn’t wait for Monday.

Hugesunflower · 07/07/2024 15:26

What’s her temperature?

Singleandproud · 07/07/2024 15:26

I'd germolene and antihistamine first and see how it is in an hour.