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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency help for heavy bleeding that will not stop, fainting, severe breathing difficulty, or swelling of the face or throat after a medicine or dressing product.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact your healthcare team promptly if you have increasing pain, spreading redness, worsening swelling, pus, fever, a bad smell from the wound, or stitches that come apart.
Also call if bleeding continues after firm, uninterrupted pressure for the time stated in your discharge instructions.
Questions about dressings, stitch removal, pathology delays, or a scar's appearance are usually routine rather than urgent.
Contact the clinic during normal hours.
And for anyone, someone who:
has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
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 lesion removal. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.