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Warning-sign checks

Folliculitis: 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

    Call emergency services for severe illness, such as confusion, fainting, difficulty breathing, or extreme weakness alongside signs of infection.

    These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated folliculitis.

    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 advice if you have diabetes, reduced immune function, or take medicines that suppress the immune system.

    In these situations, infections may require earlier assessment.

    Get urgent medical help if you develop:

    • Fever or chills with worsening skin symptoms
    • Redness, swelling, or warmth that is spreading quickly
    • Rapidly increasing pain or a large, tense swelling
    • Red streaks extending away from the affected area
    • Swelling near an eye or significant facial infection
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if the bumps are widespread, keep returning, last longer than expected, or do not improve with gentle skin care.

    Assessment is also appropriate for painful deep lumps, drainage, scarring, or hair loss.

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