Oily hair: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if a hair product is followed by trouble breathing, faintness, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.

   These may be signs of a severe allergic reaction.

   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
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
2. 2

   Is any of this happening?

   Be seen today

   Seek same-day medical care for a painful or rapidly worsening scalp area with spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever.

   These can be signs of an infection rather than simple oiliness.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if it persists despite reasonable hair-care changes, suddenly becomes much worse, or comes with ongoing itching, scaling, acne, sores, or hair loss.

   You should also seek advice if scalp symptoms interfere with sleep or daily life.

   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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