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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek urgent or emergency care if you cannot pass urine.
Acute urinary retention can damage the bladder and kidneys if it is not relieved.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical assessment for:
A sore or ulcer that does not heal
A new lump, thickened patch, or crusted area
Persistent bleeding not explained by a small fresh split
A clear new change in colour or skin texture
Rapidly worsening scarring or narrowing
These changes do not automatically mean cancer, but they may need examination and sometimes a biopsy.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you develop persistent genital or anal itching, white skin changes, repeated splitting, painful sex, or a tightening foreskin.
These symptoms have several possible causes and need an examination rather than self-diagnosis.
If you already have lichen sclerosus, arrange follow-up when symptoms return, treatment does not seem effective, or applying treatment causes an ongoing problem.
Changes in urination, worsening tightness, or increasing pain also need review.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Lichen sclerosus. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.