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
Get emergency help for a severe or extensive burn, a chemical or electrical burn, difficulty breathing after a burn, or a major injury with uncontrolled bleeding.
These are emergencies because of the new injury, not because a mature scar is present.
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 a wound or scar area with:
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pain
Pus, an unpleasant smell, or the wound reopening
Fever or feeling unwell
Rapid growth, repeated bleeding, ulceration, or a major colour change
New loss of movement near a joint
These features do not always mean a serious problem, but they should be checked.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange routine medical advice if a scar is painful, persistently itchy, growing, restricting movement, or causing distress.
Assessment is also appropriate if you are unsure whether a mark is a scar.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Scars. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.