uk Health & medical scares

What to do if…
you notice a painful swelling near your eye or nose that is spreading

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: 15 May 2026 Last reviewed: 17 July 2026 Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

Painful swelling near the eye or nose that is spreading needs urgent same-day medical advice. If you have vision changes, pain when moving the eye, a bulging-looking eye, fever or shivering, confusion, breathing difficulty, fast worsening, or you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E now.

Do not do these things

Do not wait and see if the swelling is spreading, getting hotter, getting more painful, or you feel unwell.
Do not squeeze, pick, lance, or try to drain a spot, boil, or swelling near the nose or eye.
Do not use leftover antibiotics, someone else’s antibiotics, or unprescribed creams near the eye.
Do not put makeup, contact lenses, or non-essential products on or near the swollen area while you are arranging care.
Do not drive yourself to hospital if you feel faint, confused, have vision changes, or are in severe pain.

What to do now

Check for emergency warning signs. Call 999 or go to A&E now if you have any change in vision, double vision, pain when moving the eye, trouble moving the eye normally, the eye looks pushed forward or bulging, fever or shaking chills, fast or difficult breathing, faintness, confusion, drowsiness, collapse, or rapid worsening over hours.
Get urgent same-day medical advice even if there are no emergency warning signs. Use NHS 111 online or phone 111 where available, or use your local urgent-care route, and say: “I have painful swelling near my eye or nose and it is spreading.”
Take two clear photos before you leave or call, if doing so does not delay care. Use good light, photograph both sides of your face if possible, and note when the swelling started and how quickly it has changed.
If the redness is on the cheek or face away from the eyelid, you can lightly mark the outer edge with a pen to notice spread. Do not press hard, and do not mark the eyelid or very close to the eye.
Keep your head raised while you arrange help. Use your usual over-the-counter pain relief only if you can take it safely, and follow the packet directions.
Have key details ready for the clinician: current medicines, allergies, recent dental problems, sinus symptoms, skin cuts, bites, spots, diabetes, immune problems, steroid treatment, chemotherapy, and any antibiotics already taken.

What can wait

You do not need to work out the exact diagnosis now.
You do not need to research antibiotics or choose a treatment yourself.
You do not need to decide about work, school, or non-urgent plans until urgent medical advice and transport are arranged.
You do not need to clean, cover, or treat the swelling beyond leaving it alone and avoiding squeezing or picking it.

Important reassurance

This is a good moment to act early, not to blame yourself. Swelling near the eye or nose can sometimes need quick treatment, and getting checked promptly is the safest way to reduce the chance of it becoming more serious.

Scope note

These are first steps only to help you act safely in the next few hours. A clinician may need to check your vision and eye movements, examine the swelling, and decide whether you need antibiotics, imaging, referral, or hospital care.

Important note

This guide provides general information only. It is not a diagnosis, and it is not medical or professional advice; if symptoms are worsening or you feel seriously unwell, seek emergency care immediately.

Additional Resources

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

Support us