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Warning-sign checks

Scleredema diabeticorum: 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 help for severe or rapidly worsening breathing difficulty, choking, inability to swallow saliva, blue or grey lips, fainting, or sudden chest pain.

    These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated scleredema and need immediate assessment.

    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 team promptly if:

    • Skin tightness is progressing noticeably
    • Neck or shoulder movement is becoming more limited
    • You develop new difficulty swallowing
    • You have unexplained shortness of breath
    • Affected skin becomes hot, increasingly painful, broken, or drains fluid
    • Treatment causes burns, infection symptoms, or other concerning effects

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is getting rapidly more short of breath, or has gained several pounds in a few days with swelling
    • 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 persistent thickening or hardening across your neck, shoulders, or upper back.

    Assessment is also appropriate if stiffness is affecting driving, dressing, sleep, work, or exercise.

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