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Warning-sign checks

Lichen sclerosus type guttate scleroderma: 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

    Seek emergency care if you become unable to pass urine.

    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 your healthcare service promptly if:

    • A patch spreads quickly or becomes much firmer
    • Pain, swelling, or restricted movement is increasing
    • Genital scarring begins to interfere with sex or urination
    • You notice a persistent ulcer, lump, thickened area, or bleeding
    • Treated skin is worsening rather than improving

    Redness, warmth, pus, rapidly increasing pain, or fever may indicate an infection and should receive prompt medical assessment.

    Severe swelling, rapidly spreading redness, or feeling seriously unwell with signs of infection also needs urgent care.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has abdominal pain that is severe, constant, or getting worse
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you develop persistent white, shiny, firm, or thinning patches.

    Assessment is also appropriate for ongoing genital itching, painful sex, cracks in the skin, or changes in genital shape.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Lichen sclerosus type guttate scleroderma. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.