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Warning-sign checks

Fournier disease: 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

    Get emergency medical help now for severe or rapidly worsening pain, swelling, redness, or discoloration around the genitals, perineum, or anus.

    This is especially important if you also have fever, confusion, dizziness, weakness, a bad-smelling discharge, or feel severely unwell.

    If you feel faint, confused, short of breath, or unable to travel safely, call emergency services.

    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

    Do not wait for the skin to turn dark or for all symptoms to appear.

    Do not try to drain a swelling yourself.

    After hospital treatment, seek urgent help for new fever, increasing wound pain, spreading redness, darkening tissue, pus, a strong smell, wound opening, confusion, or a sudden decline in how you feel.

    Contact your usual follow-up team sooner if healing appears to stop or day-to-day function is not improving as expected.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is appropriate for questions about dressing supplies, gradual scar changes, returning to work or sexual activity, and ongoing rehabilitation.

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