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Warning-sign checks

Pompholyx eczema: 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 help for rapidly spreading clusters of painful blisters or open sores with fever or marked illness.

    Breathing difficulty or swelling of the lips, tongue or throat also requires emergency help because these are signs of a severe allergic reaction, not typical pompholyx.

    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 a healthcare service promptly if the skin becomes increasingly painful, hot, swollen or red, or develops pus or spreading crusts.

    These can be signs of bacterial infection.

    Seek urgent same-day assessment if redness is spreading quickly, you develop a fever, or you feel generally unwell alongside worsening skin symptoms.

    A serious viral infection can sometimes resemble an eczema flare and needs urgent treatment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if this is your first unexplained blistering outbreak.

    You should also seek advice if symptoms keep returning, are not improving with your usual treatment, or are making it difficult to sleep, walk or use your hands.

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