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Original poster

to go to A and E with this

40 replies

saladsandwich · 17/09/2011 07:46

i have 4 insect bites, 2 on my head 1 on my arm and 1 on my finger, the one on my finger as really swelled up, tried getting in the drs yesterday but they where full and getting to the out of hours doctor where i live is ridiculous.

woke up this morning and its worse, i think it's infected i get infections alot maybe 1 every 6weeks or so, its really painful, just feel an idiot going to A and E with something so small but they do have a minor injuries clinic

aibu to go with something so small (but sweled and painful)i think it probably only needs antibiotics at this stage

OP posts:

TheOriginalFAB · 17/09/2011 07:47

Go to A&E now before it gets too busy.

CogitoErgoSometimes · 17/09/2011 07:48

Have you tried the usual things first e.g. taking antihistamines?

MrsPresley · 17/09/2011 07:48

I'd go, especially if there is infection there. The quicker you start on antibiotics the better.

cookcleanerchaufferetc · 17/09/2011 07:48

Does your doctor not have an out of hours service?

GloriaVanderbilt · 17/09/2011 07:53

Yes I think you should go, but you might need to wait a while, they will probably just refer you to the duty doctor there.

Btw if you often get infections it can be a sign of diabetes I think so might be worth getting that checked out at a later date.

izzywhizzyletsgetbusy · 17/09/2011 07:57

Can you see the bite mark on your finger - a tiny blood-coloured pinprick?

knaveofhearts · 17/09/2011 08:00

Ring the out of hours GP. This is urgent but not A&E.

ForkInTheForeheid · 17/09/2011 08:01

I think ya a bit u to go to a and e because out of hours is harder to get to, surely people using a and e for those reasons is why it gets so busy? Yanbu to want it seen to though.

Original poster

saladsandwich · 17/09/2011 08:03

i've taken antihistamines but tey where only piriton ones, the other bites are just normal size so i think they have worked because i am allergic to most bites... started putting antibitotic cream on it yesterday when i couldnt get in to the drs because i knew it was infected with it being red hot to touch.

out of hours dr is impossible round here, they have 2 drs thats it, impossible to get an apointment with them. theres a walk in centre but its 20miles away and i dont drive

OP posts:

Original poster

saladsandwich · 17/09/2011 08:08

izzy you can see where i was bitten but it is now green :(

gloria i am under endocrinology and diabetic clinic because they don't know why i keep getting them, my son suffers even worse because he's got immunity problems

OP posts:

Iteotwawki · 17/09/2011 08:10

I would try out of hours or a taxi to the walk in centre before a&e. Be prepared to be triaged to the bottom category if you do just go to the hospital, an infected finger isn't an accident or an emergency really.

FellatioNelson · 17/09/2011 08:11

Yes, it sounds like it has turned to a nasty infection. Phone NHS direct to ask advice first though - there may be an out of hours medical centre for less urgent cases than A&E usually see. But if there is not one, then I'd go along to A&E (sheepishly and apologetically) rather than leave it until Monday - just in case.

kat2504 · 17/09/2011 08:16

Since you say they have a minor injuries clinic there too aswell as A&E I would give them a ring and ask if you can go in rather than just showing up there. Perhaps if they do have minor injuries clinic in the hospital, that is the local out of hours service. You can't really get a taxi somewhere 20 miles away, that is not reasonable. If they can't see you, then you'll have to make an appointment to see the GP and tell them it is urgent. you probably just need some antibiotics.

Original poster

saladsandwich · 17/09/2011 08:30

i've decided after showing my dad my finger to go to A and E, they have a minor injury clinic there... noticed the redness is spreading and i cant move it so want it seen sooner rather than later.

thanks for the advice

OP posts:

ragged · 17/09/2011 09:10

Good luck, I am (mildly) allergic to most insect bites, and can have major flare ups to minor bites sometimes. I suspect they'll give you a stronger antihistamine, let us know what they said.

pippilongsmurfing · 17/09/2011 12:13

I don't know where you live but in my area if you have something that is serious but not A&E serrious then call NHS direct who will tell you the best place to go.

I would NOT go to A&E with an insect bite, the fact you have to ask whether to go or not should tell you that you do not need to.

Please don't tell us you were going to ring an ambulance to get there.

It's Saturday morning FFS, not the middle of a long bank holiday, nearly everywhere has walk in centre's these days.

Crosshair · 17/09/2011 12:23

Hope you get it sorted!

GloriaVanderbilt · 17/09/2011 12:45

Pippi I don't think you need to be so patronising, of course she isn't going to ring an ambulance.

Her A&E has a minor injuries unit. She has been injured by some pesky insect and it sounds as thought she is developing cellulitis so I think in the circumstances it was the only sensible option.

ledkr · 17/09/2011 12:59

pippi an insect bite isnt serious but an infected finger of a diabetic is.It can lead to cellulitis or scepticemia so dont make sweeping statements like that.
Defo get it checked op.

stabbystabbykillkill · 17/09/2011 13:02

Pippi - if I get bitten or stung the area swells massively, becomes red and hot to the touch, and the redness spreads

If I got bitten and stung depending on how bad it looked I would definitely go to A&E especially if they had a minor injuries unit.

Surely that's what it's there for?

banana87 · 17/09/2011 13:04

I'd ring out of hours GP, not an a&e job.

meditrina · 17/09/2011 13:04

If a bite is showing signs of infection (hot, red, swollen) AND the redness if definitely tracking up the body (typically shows up 48-72 hours after the bite) then you will probably need antibiotics immediately and should go to wherever you can see a doctor straightaway - easily treated, but very serious if not.

giraffesCantChaChaCha · 17/09/2011 13:06

By this stage a&e sounds like only option left - aside from nhs direct. But if you are prone to this then would next time try to insist on seeing a Dr, I often get told all appointments are full but when explain its for asthma and having breathing difficulties then fit me in.

Crosshair · 17/09/2011 18:48

How did it go?

unfitmother · 17/09/2011 19:04

Pippi you are very wrong.

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