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Warning-sign checks

Seborrheic keratosis: 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

    Emergency care is rarely needed.

    Get immediate help if bleeding is heavy or does not stop after firm, continuous pressure, particularly if you take medicine that affects blood clotting.

    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 a prompt appointment for a lesion that:

    • Grows or changes noticeably over weeks or months
    • Has several colors or an irregular border
    • Bleeds without being scratched or injured
    • Does not heal after crusting or bleeding
    • Becomes persistently painful
    • Looks clearly different from your other growths
    • Appears as part of a sudden widespread outbreak

    These features do not prove that a growth is cancerous.

    They mean that looking at it more closely is important.

    Seek urgent care after removal if there is spreading redness with fever, worsening pain with pus, or other signs of a significant infection.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you have a growth that may be a seborrheic keratosis but has not been identified before.

    Assessment is also reasonable if it repeatedly catches, itches, or affects how you feel about your appearance.

The article also says

Seborrheic keratosis itself is not an emergency.

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