Scalp Problems
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you think you have a skin infection?
See significance of symptoms of a skin infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have diabetes?
Yes Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in your scalp?
Yes Do you have red streaks extending from an area in your scalp?
Yes Do you have pus in or around a rash or sore in your scalp?
Yes Do you know or think you have a fever?
Yes Do you have a crusty, blistered sore that is draining honey-coloured fluid?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than 2.5 cm (1 in.) around a sore or broken blister for 24 hours or longer?
Yes Have you had swollen lymph nodes in your neck for longer than 24 hours?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: August 27, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
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