To take dd to A&E or wait to see GP

[Dewdrops1]

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 🙂

I'd go to a and e for that

I'd phone 111 for advice. It may be cellulitis, which can be very serious, and definitely needs medical assessment.

Phone 111 and explain everything, and they'll do their algorithm to assess.

Ring 111 or try get an out of hours appointment

If it's warm and spreading there is infection which could turn into sepsis absolutely needs to be seen and have antibiotics if it's bad enough they would start IV antibiotics , draw a line around where it ends as it will show them it's spreading and how long it's taking to spread .

Something similar happened to my son and it was cellulitis. We went to a pharmacist (shorter queue) who recommended A&E

The treatment was IV antibiotics just in case you were wondering

I'd germolene and antihistamine first and see how it is in an hour.

What’s her temperature?

If you have access to an urgent care that would be the ideal, but if not, then a&e. It shouldn’t wait for Monday.

Do you have a middle ground anywhere near you? A minor injuries unit or an urgent treatment centre? 111 should be able to point you in the right direction.

If DD starts to feel very unwell then absolutely go to A&E.

I would go to a walk in centre if you have one. Otherwise, call 111

A&E. It sounds like cellulitis (skin infection) which can be very serious especially if involving anywhere near the eyes. She will likely need antibiotics as soon as possible

111 or a walk in centre

I would 💯 be going to a&e

Id be concerned about Cellulitis, sepsis or infection if it warm to touch

I'm with those saying A&E as could be cellulitis. Happened to a friend of mine. I wouldn't take risks.

Thanks all, that’s what I was thinking possible cellulitis but it doesn’t look red, just lighter colour I’d say. I haven’t got thermometer but temp seems ok and she’s not feeling ill other than head slightly uncomfortable. The swelling has definitely got bigger but flatter if that makes sense, away from original swelling. I’ll see if I can post a pic now.

Is it itchy?

No not itching at all just tender, looks like fluid under skin.

was if really the size of an egg?

Phone 111 they will be best placed to diagnose / get you an out of hours appointment at a UTC which might avoid a long wait at A&E. ( a photo on Mumsnet won’t help with a diagnosis )

As others have said why not get a out of hours gp appointment? It's what they are there for.
Lumps and bumps aren't accidents or emergencies.

If it was I'd have been in A & E immediately if I were OP. 111 is the obvious thing to do.

If it's hot to touch it's infected and will need antibiotics. If a pharmacist is open on a Sunday afternoon they may be able to dispense but I'd be heading to urgent care centre or out of hours gp

111 and they will ask for a photo so gp can have a look. Hope all goes ok op