Facial Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you think you have an infection after a facial injury?
See significance of signs 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 a 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 redness or warmth near a facial wound?
Yes Do you have red streaks extending from a facial wound?
Yes Do you have pus in or around a facial wound?
Yes Do you know or think you have a fever?
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 1 in. (2.5 cm) around a facial wound for 24 hours or longer?
Yes Have you had swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck or behind your ear for 24 hours or longer?
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: May 15, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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