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
Get emergency help if a skin infection is accompanied by confusion, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, fainting, or blue, grey, very pale, or blotchy skin.
These symptoms may signal a serious body-wide response to infection.
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
Seek same-day medical care if a nodule becomes very painful, hot, or swollen, especially if redness is spreading or you have a fever.
Pus, red streaks, or swelling near an eye also need prompt attention.
These signs can occur with an abscess or spreading skin infection.
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
Book a routine appointment if a nodule:
Lasts longer than a few weeks without a known cause
Is getting larger or repeatedly returns
Feels hard, deep, or fixed in place
Bleeds, forms an ulcer, or changes colour
Causes ongoing pain or affects movement
Appears with unexplained weight loss or night sweats
Arrange an earlier review if you have a weakened immune system, poor circulation, or diabetes and develop a painful or inflamed lump.
These conditions can make infections harder to control.
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 nodules. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.