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Warning-sign checks

Bowen's disease: 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
    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

    Request a prompt assessment for:

    • A new firm bump within or beside the patch
    • Rapid enlargement or marked thickening
    • An open sore that does not heal
    • Repeated bleeding without clear injury
    • New or increasing pain
    • A new lump in a nearby lymph-node area
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up plans vary.

    A clinician may check whether the treated site has healed, review biopsy results, and look for persistent or recurrent abnormal skin.

    People with multiple lesions, immune suppression, previous skin cancer, or extensive sun damage may need closer skin surveillance.

    Arrange a routine appointment for a patch that persists, returns, or slowly changes.

    Sun protection does not treat an existing lesion, so it should not replace follow-up or recommended care.

The article also says

Between appointments, check the treated area and the rest of the skin in good light.

A mirror or help from another person can make it easier to examine the back, scalp, and backs of the legs.

Sun protection may reduce further ultraviolet damage.

Useful measures include shade, protective clothing, a broad-spectrum sunscreen used according to its label, and avoiding tanning beds.

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