Questionnaire/history:

Pain (73%) (typically severe and out of proportion to examination findings)?

Hypoaesthesia (early sign)?

Past medical history?

Current medication?

Known drug allergies?

Examination:

Skin may be firm or indurated?

Skin colour changes from red-purple to blue-grey?

Swelling (75%) (extending beyond visible erythema)?

Erythema (66%) (without sharp margins)?

Crepitus, skin bullae or necrosis (may be late signs)?

Fever?

Tachycardia?

Systemic toxicity?

Management:

Admit immediately for surgical exploration (early surgery < 24 hours reduces mortality)

Resource(s):

BMJ 2019

UpTo Date December 2018