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 overheating causes confusion, fainting, a seizure, severe weakness, or loss of consciousness.
Move to a cooler place and begin cooling while help is being arranged.
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
Seek prompt medical advice if:
The skin becomes increasingly painful, warm, swollen, or produces pus
You develop fever with signs of a skin infection
Cracks are deep, bleeding, or stopping you from walking or using your hands
Scale is affecting hearing
Your eyelids do not close fully, or you develop eye pain or blurred vision
You repeatedly become dizzy, sick, or unusually tired in warm conditions
A newborn with widespread tight, shiny, cracked, or peeling skin needs urgent hospital assessment.
Babies with severe congenital ichthyosis can lose fluid and heat quickly and may need help with feeding, breathing, eye protection, and infection prevention.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if you have persistent scaling that does not improve with ordinary moisturiser, especially if it started in adulthood.
Follow-up is also appropriate if treatment is not controlling cracking, itching, pain, or sleep disruption.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ichthyosis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.