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

What to do now

1. Check for emergency signs. Call 911 or go to an emergency room now if you have any vision change, double vision, pain when moving the eye, trouble moving the eye, an eye that looks pushed forward or bulging, fever, shaking chills, severe headache, vomiting, neck stiffness, confusion, extreme sleepiness, or rapid worsening over hours.
2. If there are no emergency signs, still arrange same-day medical assessment. Use urgent care only if they can assess eye-area infections today; go to an emergency room if symptoms are rapidly worsening, the eye itself may be involved, you feel ill, or you cannot get urgent same-day assessment.
3. When you check in or call, say: “I have painful swelling near my eye or nose that is spreading. I’m worried about cellulitis or infection near the eye.”
4. Do not press on the swelling. Keep your hands away from the area, wash your hands before touching nearby skin, and avoid contact lenses or eye makeup.
5. Take one clear photo in good light and note when the swelling started, how fast it is spreading, and whether you have sinus symptoms, dental pain, a skin injury, an insect bite, a pimple, or a boil. Do this only if it does not delay getting care.
6. While arranging care, keep your head elevated. A clean cool compress may help comfort, but do not put ice directly on the skin.
7. Bring or be ready to list your medicines, allergies, diabetes, immune-system conditions, recent steroid or chemotherapy use, recent dental work, recent sinus infection, and any antibiotic you have already taken.