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
Go to an emergency department if the pain or swelling is rapidly becoming severe, the skin turns grey, purple, or black, or you become confused, faint, or extremely unwell.
These features can indicate a serious tissue infection, although this is uncommon.
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
Seek same-day medical care if you have:
Fever or feel significantly unwell
Severe or rapidly worsening pain or swelling
Difficulty passing urine
Spreading redness, warmth, or pus
New sores during pregnancy
A weakened immune system and new genital sores
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange an appointment with a primary care clinician or sexual health clinic for any new, unexplained genital sore.
This is especially important after a new sexual contact or if the sore is painless, keeps returning, spreads, or does not heal.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Genital sores - female. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.