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uk Health & medical scares painful swelling near eye • swelling near nose spreading • red swollen eyelid • facial swelling getting worse • skin infection on face • cellulitis near eye • periorbital swelling pain • eyelid swelling and tenderness • eye area hot and swollen • swelling moving across face • fever with facial swelling • eye pain when moving • blurry vision with swelling • one-sided facial swelling • sudden swelling by nose • infection near eye socket • sinus infection eye swelling • boil near nose swelling • swelling under eye worsening • redness around eye spreading

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

Short answer

Treat this as urgent: swelling and pain near the eye/nose that’s spreading needs same-day medical assessment. If you have any vision changes, pain on eye movement, fever, severe headache, confusion, or your eye looks pushed forward, call 999 or go to A&E now.

Do not do these things

  • Do not “wait and see” if it’s spreading, getting hotter/more painful, or you feel unwell.
  • Do not squeeze, pick, or try to drain any spot/boil near the nose or eye.
  • Do not use leftover antibiotics or someone else’s antibiotics.
  • Do not apply steroid creams near the eye unless a clinician told you to for this exact problem.
  • Do not wear contact lenses or eye makeup until you’ve been assessed.
  • Do not drive yourself to hospital if you feel faint, confused, have vision changes, or severe pain—get help.

What to do now

  1. Check for red-flag symptoms (if yes: 999 / A&E now).
    Red flags include:
    • Any change in vision (blurred, double vision, reduced vision)
    • Pain when moving the eye or inability to move it normally
    • Eye looks bulging/pushed forward
    • High temperature/fever, rigors, or you feel significantly unwell
    • Severe headache, neck stiffness, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness
    • Rapid worsening over hours, or spreading redness/swelling across the face
  2. If no red flags, still seek same-day help.
    Use NHS 111 (online or phone) and say: “Painful swelling near my eye/nose that is spreading.” They can direct you to an urgent treatment centre, out-of-hours service, or A&E depending on symptoms.
  3. Take two clear photos and note timing.
    • Photo now (good light), and note when it started and how fast it’s spreading.
    • If there’s a red area on the cheek/face (not the eyelid), you can lightly mark the edge with a pen to notice spread (do not press hard, and do not mark on the eyelid or close to the eye).
  4. Do basic safety steps while you arrange care.
    • Keep your head elevated (extra pillow).
    • Use cool compresses on the swollen area for comfort (clean cloth, not ice directly).
    • If you can take them safely, use your usual over-the-counter pain relief (follow packet directions).
  5. Prepare for assessment so you don’t lose time.
    Bring/know: current medicines, allergies, recent dental/sinus/skin infections, immune problems (e.g., diabetes, steroids/chemotherapy), and whether there was a cut, bite, spot, or sinus symptoms.

What can wait

  • You do not need to decide right now what the exact diagnosis is.
  • You do not need to research antibiotics or try home “infection remedies.”
  • You do not need to contact work/school until after you’ve arranged urgent care and transport.

Important reassurance

It’s understandable to feel alarmed—face/eye-area infections can worsen quickly, and getting checked promptly is the safest move. Most causes are treatable, and early treatment helps prevent complications.

Scope note

This is first-steps only to help you act safely in the next hours. A clinician may need to examine your eye movements/vision and decide on antibiotics, imaging, or referral.

Important note

This guide provides general information, not a diagnosis. If you are deteriorating, have any red flags, or feel unable to cope at home, seek emergency care immediately.

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