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Warning-sign checks

Necrotizing fasciitis: 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

    Treat possible necrotizing fasciitis as an emergency.

    Call emergency services or go to an emergency department now if you have rapidly worsening pain, redness, or swelling, especially when the pain seems much greater than the visible injury.

    Emergency assessment is also needed for purple, grey, or black skin; spreading blisters; skin numbness after severe pain; confusion; faintness; difficulty breathing; clammy skin; or very little urine.

    If you recently had surgery, gave birth, sustained an injury, or developed a wound after water exposure, mention this during the emergency assessment.

    Do not delay care while trying to treat the area at home.

    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

    Do not wait for all symptoms to appear.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up is different.

    After discharge, contact your surgical or wound-care team as advised for dressing changes, wound healing, rehabilitation, or concerns about scars and movement.

    Seek earlier review if pain, drainage, redness, swelling, or fever returns or worsens.

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