Should we go to A&E?

[Blaenwgwynfi]

Hi,

My mother has a large infected cyst on the shoulder down to her arm pit. She’s been on antibiotics for 3 weeks.

It’s just burst and is gushing pus and blood. Is this something we need to go to A&E for to have drained properly, or is there an alternative? I’m worried about it getting even more infected but she is very reluctant to go to A&E.

Waiting on a call back from 111.

Thank you!

NB the cyst is the size of a golf ball but goes about 3 inches deep.

I think 111 was the right thing to do, you’ll know in a couple of hours what’s best!

If it's 3 inches deep, as in that's the size of the hole left when the pus etc has come out it very likely needs cleaning and packing so I'd say yes to A&E. The worst part is over with it bursting thankfully.

Absolutely go to a&e!

It does depend on what you’ve got locally, but I’d say minor injuries/walk in clinic (which may mean A&E round you). Sounds big enough to need cleaning, packing and a wound care plan in place. And a review of her antibiotics.

Try minor injuries or walk in first if accessible, I know it's weekend and bank holiday. Out of hours GP maybe as well. A&E wait times are shocking at the moment!

Better out than in!!

Wait for 111 calling back. They may not be too keen to have that type of oozy infection in the hospital if they can avoid it and if she's on antibiotics anyway they may not do anything else apart from clean and dress it which can be done at home. Get some pictures ready in case they want to see it.

I'm sure she'll feel much better now that it's popped :)

I'd say minor injuries or walk in. I'd imagine A&E times are pretty busy being Easter weekend, you may be waiting around hours for it to be dressed. Did 111 give you an idea of how long the call back might be?

I think it's A&E rather than minor injuries/walk in.

I don't think it's something you can clean and dress at home!

Hospitals are there for oozy infection, for now can you clean around it with boiled water, sterile gauze and cover it with a sterile pad. 3 inches is deep and may need a thorough clean and packing.

Walk in centre or if you really can’t be bothered on a bank holiday go to your local chemist and see if they can suggest anything.

A local chemist wont help, they will just tell her to seek proper medical attention.

Walk in or minor injuries I would go tbh.
Can always ring them before hand to check it's something they can sort

I would definitely go to A&E. A wound that size will need proper cleaning, packing and dressing to ensure no pus or infection is left and that could well involve a short op under GA; then it will need regular packing and dressing probably by the district nursing team/practice nurses so it heals from the bottom upwards and doesn’t leave a cavity that could get infected again.

Thanks everyone for your advice.

I’ve convinced her to go to A&E as it’s approaching 1.5 hours since we called 111 and judging by what I’ve read online, it does need medical attention as it’s just so deep and the hole is so big! I reckon the A&E wait time is only going to get longer as we approach the evening so going now.

I'm a nurse- I would say A&E or an urgent care clinic would be fine depending on what's in your area. It will need to reviewed by a specialist at some point, might be possible to do straight away in A&E or they may make an appoint for another day. Either way it needs a sterile dressing and proper wound care you won't be able to do at home. Its best to be seen by a Dr for this and no one at A&E will think you shouldn't be there, but I would be prepared for a wait as unfortunately its unlikely to be treated as high priority as non-life threatening. Bring any previous medical notes she may had as sounds like a significant medical history behind it- and a book to kill the time!

This is very much A&E appropriate. The infection risk is huge.

@Nelliephant1

Better out than in!!

Wait for 111 calling back. They may not be too keen to have that type of oozy infection in the hospital if they can avoid it and if she's on antibiotics anyway they may not do anything else apart from clean and dress it which can be done at home. Get some pictures ready in case they want to see it.

I'm sure she'll feel much better now that it's popped :)

Not keen to have an oozy infection in a hospital??!! What on earth do you think hospitals are for? Some of the advice on here is frankly terrifying

I know Greenqueen40, its amazing what dangerous rubbish some people post about healthcare, offering their advice instead of just suggesting seeking actual medical help.,

I want on a Saturday night a few weeks ago, none urgent but advised to go. I was not see my after 12 hours. I would try and see an out of our doctor or a minor injury unit.

Mmmm, so glad I read this as I’m making my cheese sauce 😂

Yes I’d go to A&E.

My mum was admitted to hospital with something similar, so A&E might well be the best thing.

@Nelliephant1

Better out than in!!

Wait for 111 calling back. They may not be too keen to have that type of oozy infection in the hospital if they can avoid it and if she's on antibiotics anyway they may not do anything else apart from clean and dress it which can be done at home. Get some pictures ready in case they want to see it.

I'm sure she'll feel much better now that it's popped :)

I’ve heard it all now. Hospitals not wanting people with infections…

Glad you’ve gone to A&E, it will need a proper check to make sure all the pus has come out, properly cleaned, packed or stitched up if it’s really too big to be packed and she will probably be given more antibiotics.

Totally agree A&E due to the size of it and the risk of infection