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
Hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing after medicine requires emergency care.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Contact the healthcare team promptly if:
Fever develops or returns
Pain, warmth, swelling, or discoloration is increasing
Redness or discoloration spreads beyond the original area
New lumps appear nearby
Drainage develops a worsening odor or increases suddenly
The wound does not begin to improve after treatment
A prescribed antibiotic causes a concerning reaction
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Follow-up needs depend on how the carbuncle was treated.
After incision and drainage, a clinician may arrange a wound check to remove or replace packing, review culture results, and confirm that swelling and pain are improving.
A routine appointment is appropriate for repeated boils or carbuncles, slow healing, or a wound that keeps returning in the same place.
The clinician may look for staph carriage, diabetes, hidradenitis suppurativa, an underlying cyst, or another contributing condition.
The article also says
Some drainage can continue during healing.
The overall trend should be toward less pain, swelling, and discharge.
Follow the wound-care instructions provided by the treating clinician.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Carbuncle. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.