What is this on ds?

[Dilbertian]

I'll contact the GP in the morning, but any ideas in the meantime?

We think ds had a zit there before the weekend, and he doesn't remember scratching. TBF he is generally very good at leaving zits alone. It's not sore or itchy, but it's growing. Not clear from the photo, but it's starting to reach the margin of his eye.

Any idea what it is?

Impetigo? Shingles?

Impetigo ?

It looks like a skin infection and it’s growing fairly quickly. If GP can’t see him tomorrow, I would take him to A&E as he definitely will need antibiotics.

Impetigo is most likely. He needs to get treated for that.

I'd phone 111 about that or turn up at your nearest urgent treatment centre

Go straight to a pharmacy. I think they'll recommend urgent treatment if you have one or 111.

An open wound that's spreading needs treating quickly in some cases.

Yes definitely call 111.

I'd cover it with a non lint dressing and see someone asap tomorrow. Either GP or urgent care.

I’d defo call 111

I would call 111 or go to minor injuries with that. Too near the eye for my liking.

Definitely needs antibiotics, looks like impetigo which is highly infectious too.

I think you're right about it being impetigo.

GP tomorrow morning it is.

If earlier in the day I'd say minor injuries.
If gets closer to eye, I'd say A&E (and if he's tired tomorrow and misses a day of school, so be it).
In the meantime I'd say 111. Take a photo to send if they like (won't need to disturb his sleep). Also take his temp (you can do it while he's asleep if necessary).
Whatever it is, best to get a proper medical diagnosis asap. As a PP said, too close to the eye to just let it take its course. It's probably nothing to worry about, but let a doctor decide.

Impetigo is one of the things pharmacists can prescribe for if you can't get seen by a GP quickly, better to nip it in the bud.

Went to two different pharmacists. Neither seemed to have a clue or any interest, either. Luckily a prescription has come through this evening via the e-consult, though the email from the GP doesn't say what she thinks it might be. 🤞

My son had impetigo on his face recently and it spread rapidly in just 3 days. Have they given you antibiotics?

Fucidin cream. Which says not to get it in the eyes! Ds has applied it very carefully.

Hmmm. Ok. If it's spread any more at all by the morning I'd go back to the docs and get antibiotics before the weekend just in case. Especially if it spreads towards his eye!

You can ring the GP practice and ask the phone handler to tell you the diagnosis from the record.

Unless there's a marked improvement very fast I'd push for oral antibiotics. Very surprised they haven't prescribed them.

Wow, that Fucidin cream works quickly! Less than 24 hours and all that crusting and redness is gone. Skin just looks very pale and pink. More comfortable, too, according to ds. Obviously he will continue the full course of the treatment. It's not something either of us want to see again.

That must be a relief!