When should you see a doctor about a sore that will not heal?

A clinician can examine the area, review how it began, and decide whether it needs treatment, monitoring, or further testing.

A persistent sore may be caused by repeated friction, scratching, infection, inflammation, poor circulation, or an underlying skin growth. Sun-exposed skin deserves particular attention because some skin cancers can present as a sore that does not close, a crust that returns, or a spot that bleeds with minor contact.

Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a non-healing area, while squamous cell carcinoma can present as a rough, crusted, tender, or bleeding lesion. Keratoacanthoma may grow quickly and form a central plug. These conditions cannot be confirmed from appearance alone.

Keep the sore gently clean, protect it with a suitable dressing, and avoid picking, shaving over it, or applying strong acids and unprescribed steroid creams. Note when you first noticed it and whether its size, surface, colour, bleeding, or tenderness has changed.

Take a clear photograph beside a familiar object for scale if the area is difficult to track. Bring a list of products or medicines used on it, and mention any repeated rubbing, recent injury, or substantial sun exposure.

Arrange prompt medical care if the sore repeatedly bleeds, develops a firm or raised edge, grows, becomes increasingly painful, forms a persistent crust, or returns after seeming to heal. A sore near the eye, nose, lip, or ear also warrants timely assessment because these areas can be more difficult to treat while preserving nearby tissue.

Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding that does not stop with steady pressure, rapidly spreading redness with fever, severe swelling, or severe pain. These signs may point to bleeding or infection that needs immediate attention.

Ask what may be delaying healing, whether the sore needs a sample or other examination, how to protect it during healing, and which changes should prompt an earlier review. Tell the doctor if it has appeared more than once or if you have had previous skin lesions.