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 if widespread redness or peeling occurs with fever, chills, marked weakness, dizziness, confusion, breathing difficulty, very little urine, or an inability to keep warm.
These can be signs that extensive skin inflammation is affecting the rest of the body.
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
Contact your dermatology or primary care team promptly if:
The rash spreads rapidly
Cracks become increasingly painful, warm, swollen, or produce pus
An eyelid turns outward or your eyes become dry and irritated
Treatment causes troublesome side effects
Symptoms significantly limit sleep, walking, hand use, or eating
Seek urgent same-day care for eye pain, light sensitivity, or a change in vision.
These symptoms can mean that the eye surface is being damaged.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine medical appointment if you develop a persistent, spreading, or unexplained scaly rash.
Assessment is also appropriate if thickened palms or soles are cracking, or if a known PRP rash is no longer controlled by the current plan.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Pityriasis rubra pilaris. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.