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Warning-sign checks

Skin lesion of blastomycosis: 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 trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, fainting, new confusion, a seizure, or sudden weakness on one side of the body.

    These symptoms are not expected from an uncomplicated skin lesion and need immediate assessment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    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 you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Arrange an assessment sooner if you have recently spent time in an area where blastomycosis occurs, especially after substantial exposure to disturbed soil.

    You should also seek routine but prompt care if a persistent lesion occurs with cough, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or bone pain.

    Tell the clinician about travel, outdoor work, digging, hunting, camping, and any conditions or medicines that weaken your immune system.

    Seek same-day medical care if the skin becomes rapidly more red, hot, swollen, or painful, particularly if you also have fever or pus.

    These findings can indicate a bacterial infection that needs prompt treatment.

    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

    Book a medical appointment if a lesion keeps growing, becomes ulcerated, repeatedly bleeds, or has not started healing after a few weeks.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

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