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
Seek emergency care for severe shortness of breath, coughing up blood, fainting, confusion, a black or heavily bloody stool, or rapidly developing weakness.
A non-blanching rash accompanied by fever and severe illness can have causes other than vasculitis and needs emergency assessment.
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
Arrange a prompt medical appointment for a new rash that does not fade when pressed, especially if it is raised, painful, widespread, or associated with joint or general symptoms.
A new rash after starting a medicine also needs timely assessment.
Seek same-day medical advice if you have:
Blood in your urine or much less urine than usual
Significant abdominal pain, vomiting, or blood in your stool
New numbness, weakness, blisters, ulcers, or rapidly worsening skin pain
Fever or marked illness with a spreading non-blanching rash
Contact your healthcare team sooner if new symptoms appear between planned visits.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate when the diagnosis is established, symptoms remain limited to the skin, and the rash is stable or improving.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Hypersensitivity vasculitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.