Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Do I stick a pin in it? (Gross picture attached)

59 replies

CaterpillaNavilla · 15/02/2022 18:56

I have a huge boil on my head - can’t get a Drs appointment for love not money. DH thinks I should go to A&E - i think this in neither an accident, nor an emergency. Do I stick a (sterilised) pin in it and see what happens??

Do I stick a pin in it? (Gross picture attached)
OP posts:
Plump82 · 15/02/2022 18:56

Is it definitely a boil. That looks like a pillar cyst to me.

Bouledeneige · 15/02/2022 18:59

Looks like a cyst. I had one like that. You can just leave it but if it gets sore or is bothering you, go to the GP and they can arrange to have it removed at a clinic. I had it done - it does hurt afterwards and there was a whiff of burning.

I don't think sticking a pin it it will make any difference - it won't ooze.

MrsOrMiss · 15/02/2022 19:00

Is it ready to blow though???

I'd find a friend who 'specialises' in Sporn and give her the pleasure see if she can help.

And post pictures. Just for clarity of course.

Brainwashed · 15/02/2022 19:01

I agree, I don't think that is a boil

CoffeeRunner · 15/02/2022 19:01

Does your GP surgery have Nurse Practitioners? If so, this is the kind of thing they can help with.

Failing that is there a local walk in centre?

I agree it's not for A&E and unless you need to be referred I'm not sure you really need a GP. Unless of course there's no service in between.

starfishmummy · 15/02/2022 19:02

Ask for this to be moved to Sporners Corner and you will get a lot of adviceand requests for you to video whatever you do.

Grin

ViceLikeBlip · 15/02/2022 19:02

Hours (and hours!) watching Dr pimple popper suggest to me that's a cyst- no point trying to pop it, it needs to be removed properly (but no great rush). GP might do it, or they might refer to dermatology.

Hermymee · 15/02/2022 19:03

That’s a pillar cyst. I’ve had a couple on my head. One burst and it was revolting. It then got infected and I got quite poorly so I wouldn’t pop it.

The other one I had cut out at the gp after waiting about 3 years for an appointment.

Put your hair over it and wait for your gp appointment.

ReadySteadyTwins · 15/02/2022 19:03

Have this moved to Sporners Corner. They'll soon tell you what it is and what to do...

FreddieDeLaHay · 15/02/2022 19:05

I have something similar, I think it's smaller though
I stuck a needle in mine about 20 odd years ago- nothing happened. I was most disappointed. I am now since relieved that I didn't do any damage!
I would try docs again if I were you

purplesequins · 15/02/2022 19:10

cyst
gpwill fo nothing as costmetic.

look up private dermatology in your area to haveit removed. should not be too expensive.

DO NOT poke anything in it.

FredaFox · 15/02/2022 19:11

It's a cyst.
I've had a few removed via my go. It's easily done though you might get a wait.
I've got one grieving behind my ear right now,

Stompythedinosaur · 15/02/2022 19:12

Definitely doesn't need A&E, it isn't an emergency.

I'd just wait for the gp appt.

Luredbyapomegranate · 15/02/2022 19:13

It's a cyst as PPs say.

Don't muck about with it, it won't get rid of it, and it might get infected.

Getting it removed will take years on the NHS, so put your hair over it and either get used to living with it for a bit - or make a private derm appointment.

Imissmoominmama · 15/02/2022 19:14

Why is it so sad @FredaFox?

Original poster
CaterpillaNavilla · 15/02/2022 19:15

I’ve a couple of cysts on my head - this one has gotten sore and squishy - feels a bit hot to touch and like it has liquid in it. I wouldn’t bother with go otherwise!

OP posts:
Luredbyapomegranate · 15/02/2022 19:18

@CaterpillaNavilla

I’ve a couple of cysts on my head - this one has gotten sore and squishy - feels a bit hot to touch and like it has liquid in it. I wouldn’t bother with go otherwise!
Oh I see, sounds like it is getting infected then.

Go to small injuries clinic then, if you get lucky someone might have a go. (But don't do it yourself, it will just refill and make it hard for a professional to eventually remove the sac that will stop it refilling). I KNOW IT'S TEMPING>

Original poster
CaterpillaNavilla · 15/02/2022 19:19

I think it was a Pilar cyst but thought it might have developen into something else?

OP posts:
RenoSusan · 15/02/2022 19:22

Use a sterilized needle and when you put the needle in, twist the needle to make a bigger hole. Then lightly squeeze.

TheHoptimist · 15/02/2022 19:31

@RenoSusan

Use a sterilized needle and when you put the needle in, twist the needle to make a bigger hole. Then lightly squeeze.
ignore that advice

Its a cyst
You need the sac removed or it will come back bigger and you risk scarring

AledsiPad · 15/02/2022 19:38

Nope, I wouldn't - and I am an avid sporner! That needs proper medical attention IMO.

FavouritePi · 15/02/2022 19:39

I have a Pillar Cyst on my scalp that the GP had said they do not remove unless growing or painful. I'd get it checked out to be sure but if it is, be prepared for them to do nothing. Had mine for 12 years with no issues so don't worry too much.

FavouritePi · 15/02/2022 19:40

Sorry just seen a couple of updates, if it's sore, definitely speak to the GP.

Original poster
CaterpillaNavilla · 15/02/2022 19:45

@FavouritePi it is growing and painful! I would love to be able to just get it seen to at the doctors but it is impossible to get an appointment - if I phone up they have a 6 minute intro message and then cut you off, and their online booking system seems to be permanently down - it’s ridiculous!

OP posts:
Original poster
CaterpillaNavilla · 15/02/2022 19:46

@RenoSusan thanks for the advice - I will try once more tomorrow morning to get through to the gp - then I am taking matters into my own hands Grin

OP posts: