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Warning-sign checks

Patchy skin color: when to get help

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. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Get emergency help if you have:

    • Blue or gray lips or skin with trouble breathing
    • A suddenly pale, blue, cold, painful, or numb arm or leg
    • Purple or red spots that do not fade under pressure, with fever or feeling very unwell
    • Skin changes with facial or tongue swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing

    Do not delay emergency care to keep checking a rash at home.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    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 you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek same-day medical care for skin that is becoming rapidly red or dark, hot, swollen, and painful, especially if you also have fever or chills.

    This may need prompt treatment.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine appointment if the color change:

    • Is unexplained, spreading, or not improving
    • Repeatedly returns
    • Is itchy, painful, scaly, or affecting daily life
    • Follows a new medicine
    • Involves a mole or mark that is changing
    • Causes concern about your appearance or emotional well-being

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has noticed a lump, a mole that has changed, or unexplained weight loss

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Patchy skin color. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.