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Warning-sign checks

Candida infection of the skin: 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

    Emergency care is appropriate for symptoms such as confusion, fainting, severe weakness, or difficulty breathing.

    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 a clinical review sooner for a widespread rash, significant pain, repeated infections, nail changes, or a rash in a person with diabetes or reduced immune function.

    Seek urgent medical care for rapidly spreading redness, worsening swelling, severe pain, fever, pus, red streaks, or a person who appears acutely unwell.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    For a small and otherwise mild rash, routine follow-up is appropriate if symptoms do not begin to improve with correctly used treatment, if they return soon after treatment, or if the diagnosis remains uncertain.

    At follow-up, a clinician may confirm whether the infection has cleared, reconsider the diagnosis, review how treatment was used, or test for another fungal or bacterial condition.

    Recurrent cases may require a plan for moisture control and evaluation of contributing health factors.

    And for anyone, someone who:

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

The article also says

An infant should be assessed if a diaper rash is severe, blistering, draining, associated with fever, or not improving with usual care.

A clinician can check for Candida and other causes of diaper-area inflammation.

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