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Warning-sign checks

Pustules: 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

    Go to emergency care if a widespread rash appears with skin peeling, mouth or eye sores, trouble breathing, facial or tongue swelling, faintness, or severe illness.

    These symptoms may signal a serious skin or allergic reaction.

    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 same-day medical advice for rapidly spreading redness, increasing warmth or swelling, severe pain, fever, or red streaks extending from the area.

    Also seek prompt care if pustules are around the eye, involve a newborn, or occur when your immune system is weakened.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if pustules:

    • Keep returning or do not improve
    • Cover a large area
    • Leave scars or persistent dark marks
    • Are painful, deep, or affecting daily life
    • Develop after starting a new medicine
    • Occur with ongoing acne that self-care has not controlled

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