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Warning-sign checks

Lichen simplex chronicus: 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
    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

    Get prompt medical help if the area develops signs of infection, such as increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, yellow crusting, or spreading redness.

    Seek urgent care if spreading redness is accompanied by fever, chills, red streaks, severe pain, or feeling significantly unwell.

    These symptoms are not typical of uncomplicated lichen simplex chronicus.

    A rapidly changing, bleeding, ulcerated, or non-healing patch should also be assessed promptly.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you have a persistent itchy, thickened patch, especially if it is interfering with sleep or daily activities.

    An examination is important because several skin conditions can look similar.

    Seek follow-up if treatment is not improving the patch, symptoms keep returning, or medication causes burning, skin thinning, stretch marks, or another unexpected change.

    Genital or anal itching also deserves assessment because infections, allergies, and other skin conditions may need different treatment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a symptom that has lasted more than a couple of weeks without improving

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