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Warning-sign checks

Lichen annularis: 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

    Get urgent or emergency help if these occur, particularly after starting a medicine.

    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 prompt medical care if a lesion becomes hot, increasingly painful or swollen, or starts releasing pus, especially if you also have a fever.

    These changes can suggest a skin infection rather than uncomplicated lichen annularis.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you develop a new ring-shaped rash that has not been diagnosed.

    Several skin conditions look similar, and ringworm needs different treatment.

    You should also seek routine medical advice if the bumps are spreading, itching, painful, repeatedly returning or affecting how you feel about your appearance.

    Have an area reviewed if it does not behave as expected after diagnosis.

The article also says

Lichen annularis itself is not an emergency.

Widespread painful blistering, skin peeling, mouth or eye sores, facial swelling or breathing difficulty are not typical.

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