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
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services if you have confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, rapidly worsening illness, or severe pain with fast-spreading swelling or skin discoloration.
Emergency care is also appropriate for a deep burn around the chest, neck, arm, or leg if breathing or circulation seems restricted.
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
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Get same-day medical care if you notice:
Redness, warmth, or swelling spreading beyond the wound
New pus, foul-smelling drainage, or increasing moisture
Fever or chills
Increasing or severe pain
Rapid growth or darkening of the affected area
A cold, pale, blue, or newly numb hand or foot
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment for a new eschar, particularly if its cause is unclear.
You should also book an appointment if the wound is not getting smaller, keeps returning, or is over a pressure point.
Seek earlier advice if you have diabetes, reduced sensation, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Eschar. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.