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Warning-sign checks

Seborrheic dermatitis: 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 difficulty breathing, faintness, or swelling of the lips, tongue, face, or throat after using a treatment.

    These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and are not usual symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis.

    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 skin becomes increasingly painful, warm, swollen, or begins leaking pus.

    Fever with rapidly spreading redness may indicate an infection and needs urgent assessment.

    Eye pain, strong sensitivity to light, marked eyelid swelling, or changes in vision also need urgent assessment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if:

    • You are unsure whether the rash is seborrheic dermatitis
    • Symptoms persist despite correctly used non-prescription treatment
    • The rash is widespread, painful, or repeatedly disrupts sleep
    • You have patchy hair loss, broken hairs, or thick plaques
    • Eyelid scaling keeps returning
    • A baby’s rash is very itchy, inflamed, spreading, or not improving
    • Skin colour changes or visible symptoms are causing distress

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