To go to A&E

[Nellie8]

Woke up on Sat and my thumb is really hurting and it's got this thing on it which is growing it seems.

I will call GP on Tuesday but not sure when I'll get appointment. Or would you just go to pharmacy?

Maybe a spider bite? Any ideas v welcome as hurts quite a bit and antiseptic cream seems to be doing nothing.

Pharmacy or urgent treatment centre.

Is there a walk in centre nearby? Have you got a temp? Is it hot? You will have to watch for infection. Just thinking you may be hours in A&E on a bank holiday.

I’d go to a pharmacy or minor injuries if that is an option where you live.

I'd phone 111 and try a pharmacy. It does seem one of those things that should be seen ASAP as it seems to be getting worse, but an out of hours GP appointment or walk in centre probably more suitable than A&E (more for your own sake to be honest, probably be waiting an inordinate amount of time).

If you’ve got a temp/feel shivery and unwell then a&e. If not give 111 a call and get an out of hours appointment. If not do you have a walk-in/urgent care?

Pharmacy or 111

You don’t need A&E for that, walk in centre will do

111 for OOH appointment or pharmacy for some steroid cream (not on the area of skin thats broken) until you can see GP tomorrow.

It looks nasty but doesn't scream A&E to me. If the area was particularly hot and very red whith the redness obviously spreading then possibly A&E.

I'd start with my local pharmacy and unless it spread, not even that (if you get other symptoms eg ache's and fever or swelling of the joint then yes you need a doctor ). For now try soaking in hot salty water.

It's not an accident, and as you're able to type then not an emergency either. So no to A&E.

I'd keep an eye on it, make sure you don't get a temperature, and if you feel poorly then call 111 for advice or find your nearest pharmacist.

Phone GP first thing tomorrow morning otherwise.

It looks a bit like Erythema Multiforme:
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/conditions/erythema-multiforme

Ohps, here's the non kids version:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erythema-multiforme/

The bulls eye ring around the spot in the middle reminds me of this. I had it a few years ago and it hurt a lot!

I have never heard of this before or seen this, and I pride myself in being familiar with rashes.

You don't have contact with sheep or goats at all? It looks very much like orf, which is an infection passed on by sheep.

Either way, I'd cover it to prevent infection. If you can find an open pharmacy that would be useful.

If you get a fever, chills or feel like you have sudden fluey symptoms, then you'll need to see someone sooner.

I had something very similar looking on my leg years ago with a red-ish purple-ish ring round it. I'm sure that's what the doctor said it was!

It was just a suggestion!

Someone else suggested orf which I think also presents itself with a ring like rash.

Either way, it doesn't require a trip to A&E at the moment!

Thank you all. It doesn't feel like a rash or anything. My whole thumb is throbbing and now my knuckle below it is aching.

Totally get not an accident or emergency though. Just painful and weird as woke up with this small mark and it's just growing and growing and my thumb is getting more painful and swollen.

Fingers (or thumbs) crossed I'll get a GP appointment tomorrow.

If it is spreading then draw round it in biro and make a note of the time, that way you can give an accurate idea to the doctor how quickly it is growing

Oh and if your thumb is getting swollen and painful I would call 111

Hmmm I think if it’s swelling and throbbing someone medical should look at it and you probably need antibiotic cream at the very least. I don’t think you should mess around with hands as they are so vital to everything we do. I was pleasantly surprised when I called 111 a few weeks ago for something similar when I couldn’t get a GP appointment. They booked DD an urgent care appointment and we were in and out in a hour. It restored my faith in 111 a bit.

I would ring 111 and as pp said, hope for an out of hours gp appointment. We’ve had several recently and was amazing service

do you have a minor injuries?
rather than a GP?

This is for Urgent Treatment Centre/Walk in Centre TODAY. Looks infected.
Do not wait until tomorrow to get a GP appointment - you may not get one. There are out of hours GPs if you call 111.
I'm always surprised with how many simply won't seek care when they actually need it - the same people will moan they can't get a GP appointment..

It's not an accident, and as you're able to type then not an emergency either. So no to A&E

This is such a load of shite.

If it's growing and you have a fever then get to a&e. If no fever then call 111.

Sorry if not clear - I meant the quoted text was a load of shite. There are plenty of cases where a person can type but it's still an emergency.

That needs seeing today as it sounds like the infection is spreading. Call 111 who will likely arrange an ooh appointment for you.

If it's swelling and the pain/discolouration is spreading, it needs to be seen today.