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Warning-sign checks

Itching: 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 if itching starts with trouble breathing, wheezing, faintness, or swelling of your tongue or throat.

    These can be signs of a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

    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

    Seek urgent medical care if you develop:

    • Yellow skin or eyes, especially with dark urine or pale stools
    • A widespread rash with fever, blistering, peeling, or painful skin
    • Sores or blisters involving your mouth, eyes, or genitals
    • Rapid swelling of your face or lips
    • Itching in pregnancy, especially on your palms or soles

    Increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, or spreading redness can suggest a skin infection and should be assessed promptly.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Book a routine appointment if the itching persists despite self-care, keeps returning, affects much of your body, or regularly disturbs sleep.

    You should also arrange an assessment if there is no visible rash, a medicine may be involved, or scratching has caused broken or infected skin.

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