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Warning-sign checks

Actinic keratosis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, or another sign of a severe allergic reaction after using a medicine.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treating clinic promptly if a treatment reaction is more severe than expected, pain is difficult to manage, or the area develops spreading redness, warmth, pus, or fever.

    These may be signs of infection or another problem that needs assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up plans are individualized.

    A clinician may recheck the treated area to confirm that it has healed and that the lesion has cleared.

    People with numerous lesions, previous skin cancer, or a weakened immune system may need more frequent professional skin examinations.

    Arrange a prompt, non-emergency appointment if a lesion:

    • Grows quickly or becomes noticeably thicker
    • Bleeds repeatedly without being picked or injured
    • Develops a sore that does not heal
    • Becomes persistently painful or tender
    • Returns soon after treatment
    • Changes in a way that concerns you

The article also says

Between visits, it can help to examine the skin regularly in good light.

A mirror or help from another person may be useful for the scalp, ears, back, and other hard-to-see areas.

Note any spot that is new, changing, or different from the others.

Actinic keratosis itself is rarely an emergency.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Actinic keratosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.