When should I see a doctor?
Use this page to decide how quickly you need help with a wound or swelling. If you are not sure, call us during the day, or go to a hospital.
Emergency: go to the nearest hospital now
Call 108 for an ambulance, or 112. Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
- Bleeding that does not stop after 10 minutes of pressing firmly on the wound
- A wound with fever, shivering, confusion or drowsiness, or the person seems very unwell
- Redness or swelling that is spreading quickly, over a few hours
- Skin around a wound turning black or grey, with severe pain
- A foot or leg that suddenly becomes cold, pale or blue, and very painful
- One leg suddenly swollen and painful, or swelling with chest pain or difficulty breathing
- A large or deep burn; a burn on the face, hands or private parts; an electrical or chemical burn; or a burn with breathing in smoke
- A person with diabetes and a wound who is drowsy or vomiting, or whose sugar reading is very high or very low
See a doctor within 1 to 2 days
Call us to book, or see your own doctor.
- More redness, warmth, swelling or pain around a wound
- Pus, a bad smell, or more fluid coming from a wound
- A wound that is getting bigger or deeper
- Any new sore, blister, crack or colour change on the foot of a person with diabetes, however small
- A red patch over a bony area, in a person who is in bed most of the time, that does not fade
- A swollen arm or leg that becomes red, warm and painful, without fever
- New swelling of an arm or leg after cancer surgery or radiation
Can be cared for at home, but watch for changes
Small cuts, scrapes and healing wounds can usually be cared for at home, if you do not have diabetes or poor blood flow.
- Keep the wound clean and covered as you were shown.
- A little pinkness at the edges and a small amount of clear fluid are normal while a wound heals.
- Keep taking your medicines, and keep your sugar under control if you have diabetes.
- If you have lymphedema, keep using your compression, skin care and exercises as you were taught.
Book an appointment if:
- A wound has not healed after a few weeks
- Swelling of an arm or leg has lasted more than a few weeks
- A scar is tight, itchy or painful, or stops a joint from moving
- Tingling, numbness or pain in the hand wakes you at night
If anything from the red or amber lists appears, follow that advice instead.
This page gives general information. It does not replace an examination by a doctor.
Questions? Call or WhatsApp us
To book, call or WhatsApp 86060 29762. Anidev answers from 9 am to 6 pm.