sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Single palmar crease: 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

    Seek emergency care for a hand that suddenly becomes cold, pale, blue, very painful, numb, or weak, especially after an injury.

    Sudden arm weakness with facial drooping or difficulty speaking also needs emergency care.

    These are circulation or nervous-system warning signs, not features of a single palmar crease.

    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 same-day medical advice for new palm or hand swelling, redness, warmth, worsening pain, or loss of movement.

    These symptoms are unlikely to be caused by the crease, but they may need treatment for an injury, infection, or another hand problem.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    If the crease has been present from birth and there are no other concerns, it can usually be mentioned at a routine health appointment.

    No special visit is generally needed for the crease alone.

    Book a routine appointment if a baby or child also has:

    • Delayed movement, speech, learning, or social development
    • Unusually low muscle tone or feeding difficulties
    • Concerns about growth
    • Several other physical differences
    • A family history of a genetic or chromosomal condition

    These findings do not confirm a diagnosis.

    They simply give a clinician a reason to assess the child more fully.

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