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
Confusion, fainting, seizures, severe breathing difficulty, or loss of consciousness are emergency symptoms.
Call emergency services.
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 for increasing pain, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or rapidly spreading skin discolouration, as these may indicate infection.
Move to a cool place and seek urgent help if you cannot cool down or develop marked dizziness, vomiting, unusual weakness, or a severe headache in hot conditions.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if:
You or your child has persistent scaling without a diagnosis
Symptoms are painful, itchy, affecting sleep, or difficult to manage
Cracks repeatedly bleed or interfere with walking or hand use
Scaling begins suddenly in adulthood
A treatment causes persistent burning, redness, or peeling
You need help managing associated eczema or allergies
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ichthyosis vulgaris. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.