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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:
Lougle · 07/07/2024 16:54

Dewdrops1 · 07/07/2024 16:49

Just had callback from GP, he didn’t seem too bothered tbh, said swelling can sometimes act that way because of gravity. They’ve given me an appointment for an hours time though so that was quick.

Gravity does not cause swelling to expand and move sideways.

MoMandaS · 07/07/2024 16:51

Dewdrops1 · 07/07/2024 16:06

Thanks @MoMandaS thats what I was concerned about. It’s not red though and she feels ok in herself. Did yours start like that?

Show quote history

Never had it on my face, just my arm and leg but yes, started with the swelling which felt mildly tender but didn't look a different colour, then gradually got redder over a couple of days as it spread - on two occasions the redness was just streaks rather than all over. I've only felt actually ill with it once and that came on really rapidly while I was taking oral antibiotics I'd been prescribed that morning once I'd seen the streaks - the GP I'd seen had told me to go to A&E if it kept spreading or I felt unwell, so that's where I went and they put me on IV. They wanted to keep me in but eventually allowed me to just keep going back every day for 3 days for IV treatment. It really can get a lot worse very quickly so I'm glad you've contacted 111.

LizzieBennett73 · 07/07/2024 16:51

Looks like a localised insect bite that's swelling under the skin. I've had a few like it and a few doses of antihistamine should help and steroid topical cream.

CreateUserNames · 07/07/2024 16:50

A & E

Original poster
Dewdrops1 · 07/07/2024 16:49

Just had callback from GP, he didn’t seem too bothered tbh, said swelling can sometimes act that way because of gravity. They’ve given me an appointment for an hours time though so that was quick.

OP posts:
catgirl1976 · 07/07/2024 16:44

111 thought my husband was having a serious cardiac issue but said someone would call
him back. It took hours. If they’ve said they’ll call you back don’t wait go to a and e now

Endsofbells · 07/07/2024 16:43

Another vote for straight to A&E. Wishing her well 💐

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 07/07/2024 16:42

111 call back could take hours! Take her to A&E now OP

Pieceofpurplesky · 07/07/2024 16:41

My face did this with an allergic reaction - ended up in a & e. Please take her, I had really strong antibiotics

DuckyShincracker · 07/07/2024 16:40

My daughter had cellulitis around her forehead / ear and I took her to urgent care. With very strong antibiotics we sorted it but it did come back 2 weeks later. More antibiotics and it's never returned. I boil washed all the bedding & towels as I did get a bit paranoid about it.

Lougle · 07/07/2024 16:40

They are going to tell you to go to A&E @Dewdrops1 . There is no alternative, really. I wouldn't be waiting if I were you. The quicker antibiotics are started, the easier it is to treat.

RoundsRobin · 07/07/2024 16:38

Lamelie · 07/07/2024 16:32

Oh for goodness sake.
How many people have to tell you to go to A&E based on your picture.
Just go.

Show quote history

This!

Tulipvase · 07/07/2024 16:38

candycane222 · 07/07/2024 16:35

Op you might want to read theough this link https://www.dovemed.com/health-topics/focused-health-topics/pott-puffy-tumor-causes-symptoms-diagnosis-and-treatment

I can't vouch for the source (was just curious b/c @ApiratesaysYarrr mentioned it upthread) but the photos on google look similar and it sounds very serious should this be what it is

I looked it up too and I agree that needs to be ruled in or out.

countbackfromten · 07/07/2024 16:36

Another saying please just take her to A&E, doctor here and that needs looking at urgently!!

Cadela · 07/07/2024 16:35

Dewdrops1 · 07/07/2024 16:27

Thanks all for your advice, I’ve just spoken to 111 and awaiting a call back from out of hours GP. Hopefully it’s nothing serious but like most of you have said, it’s not worth the risk. In the meantime If she starts acting unwell I’ll take her straight to A&E .

No you need to go to A&E. infections around the eye and forehead can quickly cause blindness or a brain infection. Dont fuck about waiting for a call back, go get her seen.

Nothereisnotashortage · 07/07/2024 16:34

I am a dr’s receptionist and I would go straight to A&E with that, most likely where you’ll end up anyway.

BoilingHotand50something · 07/07/2024 16:32

@Dewdrops1 see how quickly they call back but I think it is highly likely they will tell you to get her seen today so, given the time of day, I would head to hospital now - either A&E or Urgent care if you have one. Any time I have called 111 about one of the kids, they have said get them seen. And A&E at night is grim, hence I would go now.

Lamelie · 07/07/2024 16:32

Dewdrops1 · 07/07/2024 16:27

Thanks all for your advice, I’ve just spoken to 111 and awaiting a call back from out of hours GP. Hopefully it’s nothing serious but like most of you have said, it’s not worth the risk. In the meantime If she starts acting unwell I’ll take her straight to A&E .

Oh for goodness sake.
How many people have to tell you to go to A&E based on your picture.
Just go.

Lamelie · 07/07/2024 16:29

Straight to A&E
As pp have said cellulitis and risk of orbital cellulitis- once the infection gets into the area around the eye it’s extremely dangerous. The infection can damage the eye or brain.

Inlaw · 07/07/2024 16:29

100% a and e. This happened to a friend in the rainforest. They couldn’t get medical attention. Turned into something very odd (a kind of autoimmune benign tumour reaction) which went on for over a decade.

It was the rainforest so there’s a lot of unknown bugs out there and no one quite understands it. But there has always been the question of if they got medical care quickly would it have made a difference. No one knows but don’t risk it.

ChopSue · 07/07/2024 16:28

V worrying for you, hope 111 call back soon.

Spacecowboys · 07/07/2024 16:28

A and E based on the photos you posted.

weebarra · 07/07/2024 16:27

DS2 ended up on iv antibiotics with a similar lump that was repeatedly dismissed by the practice nurse. Out of hours gp, walk in or a&e

Original poster
Dewdrops1 · 07/07/2024 16:27

Thanks all for your advice, I’ve just spoken to 111 and awaiting a call back from out of hours GP. Hopefully it’s nothing serious but like most of you have said, it’s not worth the risk. In the meantime If she starts acting unwell I’ll take her straight to A&E .

OP posts: