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Warning-sign checks

Skin abscess: 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 help if you become confused, faint, severely short of breath, difficult to wake, or rapidly more unwell.

    Rapidly spreading swelling, severe pain far greater than expected, or pale, blue or mottled skin around the infection also needs emergency assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    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 you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent, same-day medical advice if:

    • Redness, swelling or pain is spreading
    • You have fever, chills or feel generally unwell
    • Red streaks extend away from the lump
    • The abscess is on the face, near an eye, or over the spine
    • Pain is severe or increasing quickly
    • You have diabetes, reduced immune function or poor circulation
    • The abscess developed after an injection, bite or penetrating injury
    • Symptoms worsen after drainage or while taking antibiotics

    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

    Arrange a routine appointment if you have a painful lump that is enlarging, has not improved after several days, or keeps returning.

    A lump that persists after inflammation settles also needs assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

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