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Warning-sign checks

Alopecia cicatrisata: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Emergency help is appropriate for difficulty breathing, fainting, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat after taking a medicine.

    These reactions are uncommon but require immediate care.

    Stable, symptom-free areas generally do not require emergency evaluation.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treating clinician sooner if hair loss is clearly expanding, symptoms return after improving, or a medicine causes new concerns.

    New pustules, drainage, increasing pain, or spreading redness should also be assessed promptly because infection may need treatment.

    Seek urgent medical care for rapidly worsening painful swelling, fever with spreading scalp redness, or swelling around the eyes or face.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Scarring alopecia usually requires routine follow-up with a dermatologist.

    Visits may include symptom review, scalp examination, photographs, hairline measurements, and laboratory monitoring.

    Follow-up frequency depends on disease activity and the treatment being used.

    Even so, routine monitoring remains useful because early activity can be subtle.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Alopecia cicatrisata. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.