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Warning-sign checks

Decubitis ulcers: 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 confusion, fainting, severe weakness, difficulty breathing, very fast breathing, mottled skin, or rapidly spreading redness with serious illness.

    These may indicate sepsis or another emergency.

    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

    Arrange prompt medical assessment for persistent discoloration, a blister over a pressure point, broken skin, or a wound that is becoming deeper.

    Also seek assessment if a medical device leaves a lasting mark.

    Seek urgent medical help if an ulcer develops increasing warmth, swelling, redness, pain, pus, bad-smelling drainage, black tissue, or rapidly worsening skin changes.

    Fever or feeling newly unwell with a wound also requires urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Continue routine follow-up even when the wound appears to improve.

    Follow-up allows clinicians to measure healing, review dressings, check pressure-relief equipment, and adjust the care plan.

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