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Warning-sign checks

Pemphigus vulgaris: 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 for trouble breathing, inability to swallow saliva, fainting, severe confusion, or signs of a severe allergic reaction.

    These are emergency symptoms whether or not they are caused by pemphigus vulgaris.

    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

    If you already have pemphigus vulgaris, contact your care team promptly for new blisters, worsening mouth pain, reduced food intake, or possible treatment side effects.

    Do not change immune treatment without guidance.

    Seek urgent same-day medical help for:

    • Fever with spreading redness, warmth, pus, or worsening skin pain
    • Difficulty drinking, much less urine, marked dizziness, or other dehydration signs
    • Rapidly spreading raw skin or many new blisters
    • Eye pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, or vision changes
    • Mouth or throat lesions that prevent adequate eating or drinking
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical assessment if you have persistent, unexplained mouth sores or fragile skin blisters, especially if they are spreading or not healing.

    These symptoms have many possible causes and need proper examination rather than self-diagnosis.

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