to bother the doctor with this?

[Lucia23]

About 4 days ago I woke up with a sore head. When I felt my scalp I had a lump, similar to what you'd get if you bump your head. Its about an inch across and red.

Only thing is - I haven't bumped my head! I tried the old google diagnosis and a 'pilar cyst' came up. It is hard but squidgy when you press either side of it, so it could be.

It seems like a stupid thing to bother a doctor about. But I have a hairdresser appt next week (including dye) - wwyd?

I think I would wait until the hairdressers appointment. If they are a good hairdresser they might know what it is. It also gives it time to disappear by itself. I wouldn’t go to the GP at this stage, I would just monitor it. But if you are very worried you could try phoning your doctors.

I would go to the pharmacist and ask them to take a look and they can either advise something to put on it or if you need to see a GP.

I wouldn’t wait to go to the hairdresser as it could be infected and that would be pretty gross for the hairdresser.

It started on Sat and it is now Wed. I've taken painkillers every day.

I suppose I'm wondering how long to 'monitor' for. The issue brushing my hair hurts so I fear the hairdresser a bit! I'd need to bring it up.

There is no such thing as bothering a doctor for an unexplained lump!

I would never ever hesitate going to see a gp for a lump. Nor would they ever turn you away for it.
Get an app

I have also had that thought @Cofifeefee !

some things I don't mind seeing a pharmacist about but it's a small, usually busy, pharmacy and in an awkward place on my head as it is.

Just phoned and got an answer phone message first saying you should see the pharmacist about 'minor ailments'. Does this count as that?!

No.

I am a doctor. You don’t need to see your GP at this stage. It is likely to be a simple follicular cyst that is inflamed. It may settle down of it’s own accord. Don’t go to the hairdressers as the dye will irritate it.
If it is getting bigger/ more painful over the next week then see your doctor.

Not worth a doctor visit, a lot of pharmacies could offer some advice.

Speak to pharmacist. Ask someone to take a pic and send it to GP if they offer that service?

Thanks for your expert opinion @olympicsrock !

In the end the pharmacist was quiet so I went in. She said it probably is what you said and that it will likely calm down by itself.

I've to cancel the hairdresser and if it gets more painful see the doc. Tbh if it doesn't get better I'd still want to go because it is sore and I'm often aware if it while working etc.