sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Dry skin and itching: 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

    Call emergency services if itching occurs with trouble breathing, faintness, or sudden swelling of your lips, tongue, mouth, or throat.

    These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction.

    Emergency care is also needed for widespread blistering or peeling skin, especially with fever, eye pain, mouth sores, or a recently started medicine.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    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 you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical advice if you have painful or rapidly spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever.

    These may be signs of a skin infection.

    Contact your maternity team promptly if you are pregnant and develop new widespread itching, especially on your palms or soles.

    Yellow skin or eyes, very dark urine, unexplained weight loss, or marked tiredness should also be discussed promptly with a healthcare professional.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if the itching:

    • Disrupts sleep or daily activities
    • Persists despite regular skin care
    • Keeps returning or affects most of your body
    • Starts after a new medicine
    • Occurs without an obvious rash or cause

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

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