Skin lumps: when to get help

1. 1

   Is any of this happening now?

   Call 911

   Call emergency services if swelling of your lips, tongue, face, or throat occurs with difficulty breathing, wheezing, faintness, or trouble swallowing.

   These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
   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 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 advice if the lump becomes very painful, hot, or red; releases pus; or is surrounded by redness that is spreading.

   Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell may indicate an infection requiring prompt care.

   People with a weakened immune system or poorly controlled diabetes should also seek early advice about a possible skin infection.

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these
3. 3

   Does any of this apply?

   Book an appointment

   Arrange a routine appointment if a lump:

   • Lasts longer than two weeks without a clear explanation
   • Is getting larger, hard, or difficult to move
   • Returns after previous treatment
   • Bleeds, forms a persistent sore, or changes in colour or shape
   • Causes ongoing pain or limits movement
   • Is a swollen lymph node that does not settle after an illness

   And for anyone, someone who:

   • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss
   Yes, one of theseNo, none of these

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