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Warning-sign checks

Warts: 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 care for bleeding that is heavy or does not stop with firm, continuous pressure, or for signs of a severe allergic reaction after using a treatment, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.

    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 prompt medical care if the surrounding skin becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen, or painful, or if pus or fever develops.

    These can be signs of a bacterial infection.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you are unsure whether a growth is a wart, especially if it is new or changing.

    You should also seek routine medical advice if it is painful, repeatedly bleeds, spreads widely, returns often, or does not improve after correctly used nonprescription treatment.

The article also says

Get advice before treating a suspected wart yourself if it is on the face or genitals, or if you have diabetes, poor circulation, reduced sensation, or a weakened immune system.

A clinician should assess genital growths because other conditions can look similar and treatment options differ.

Warts are not normally an emergency.

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