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Warning-sign checks

Pure cutaneous histiocytosis: 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 severe difficulty breathing, fainting, a new seizure, sudden confusion, or other immediately life-threatening symptoms.

    These are not typical features of pure cutaneous histiocytosis, but they require emergency care whatever the cause.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    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 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 a diagnosis, contact your usual clinical team promptly if lesions are growing quickly, becoming painful, opening, or producing discharge.

    New swollen glands, persistent fever, unexplained weight loss, bone pain, unusual thirst or urination, or breathing symptoms also need assessment.

    Seek urgent medical care for a rapidly worsening skin infection, particularly spreading redness with fever, increasing warmth, pus, or severe pain.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you develop unexplained bumps, plaques, or nodules that persist, multiply, or change.

    A skin examination is especially appropriate if a lesion repeatedly crusts, bleeds, or fails to heal.

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