sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site

Warning-sign checks

Polymorphous light eruption: 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 for trouble breathing, fainting, or swelling of the tongue or throat.

    These are not expected features of PMLE and may indicate a serious allergic reaction or another emergency.

    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 advice if:

    • The rash is very painful, widespread or heavily blistered
    • Your eyes, mouth or genitals are affected
    • You develop fever or feel generally unwell
    • The skin shows signs of infection
    • A new rash began after starting a medicine
    • You also have joint pain, marked fatigue or other unexplained symptoms
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if you have a recurring rash after sunlight and have not previously had it assessed.

    Review is also appropriate if the rash is getting more severe, lasts despite avoiding further UV exposure, interferes with daily life or may be related to a medicine.

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