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Warning-sign checks

Birthmarks: 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

    Emergency care is appropriate for breathing difficulty, a seizure, sudden neurologic symptoms, or bleeding that remains heavy despite firm pressure.

    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

    Seek prompt medical advice for rapid growth, repeated bleeding, pain, warmth, swelling, drainage, an open sore, or a mark that begins affecting vision, feeding, hearing, or movement.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up depends on the type of birthmark.

    A stable, harmless mark may only need review during regular health visits.

    Birthmarks that are growing, being treated, or linked to possible complications may need more frequent appointments with dermatology, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, neurology, or a vascular-anomalies team.

    Arrange a routine appointment if a birthmark gradually changes in color, texture, or thickness; if new spots appear; or if it causes distress or problems at school.

The article also says

Taking clear photographs with consistent lighting and a ruler for scale can help track changes.

Protecting the area from sunburn is also useful, particularly for pigmented birthmarks.

Sunscreen does not remove a birthmark, but it can reduce sun-related skin damage and color contrast.

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