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Warning-sign checks

Nikolsky sign: 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

    Go to an emergency department now if you have:

    • Rapidly spreading, painful blisters or skin loss
    • Peeling with sores in the mouth, eyes, or genitals
    • Eye pain, light sensitivity, or trouble opening your eyes
    • Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or keeping fluids down
    • A painful rash and fever after starting a medicine
    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

    Seek advice sooner if you have mouth sores, increasing pain, spreading redness, pus, or a child with fragile blisters.

    Get same-day medical care if the peeling is spreading, the skin is very tender, or you also have fever or feel generally unwell.

    Babies, young children, and people with a weakened immune system should be assessed promptly.

    Get urgent medical advice before taking another dose rather than making long-term medication changes by yourself.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a medical appointment for unexplained blistering, repeated skin shearing, or a raw area that is not healing.

The article also says

If symptoms began after a new medicine, bring a list of everything you take, including non-prescription products.

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