When a patient has an apparent illness and a temperature of 100.4 degrees or above, it is important to seek urgent care. Furthermore, if the redness or swelling around the skin spreads, immediate medical attention is advised.

Eczema is a skin disorder that might resemble an infection. Skin patches become irritated, itchy, red, and cracked. On the skin, blisters may occur. Children’s eczema may appear worse because they have a harder difficulty resisting the urge to scratch their skin. If a rash or other skin problem covers more than 10% of your body, see a dermatologist right once, especially if you have a fever, joint aches, muscle pain, difficulty swallowing, or are unable to sleep.

Dermatological urgent care

A dermatologist, who is an expert in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail diseases, is typically the one who treats skin problems.

The doctor is going to be able to diagnose an infection of the skin in most urgent care facilities and may prescribe antibiotics and lotions to treat the illness.

The patient is frequently referred to a dermatologist for additional treatment. It may be advisable to consult a dermatologist directly, avoiding long lines in an ER or urgent care facility. Even individuals who visit their doctor of choice may be sent to a dermatologist right away.

Urgent care conditions

  • Sumac, Poison Ivy, and Oak

The oil urushiol, which produces the infamous itching, blisters, and redness, is found in all three of these vine-like plants. To relieve skin irritation, your dermatologist may prescribe steroid medication.

People who feel difficulty breathing, abrupt swelling, or a spreading rash across the body, particularly on the face, should seek emergency care in rare situations of contact with these hazardous plants.

Breathing problems are frequently caused when hazardous plants are burned and urushiol is released into the air, where it is inhaled, though persons who are very allergic to urushiol might develop breathing problems simply from skin contact with the plants.

  • Shingles

This viral infection can result in an excruciatingly painful rash, most typically down the side of the torso. People who suffer from chickenpox are more likely to develop shingles since they are both caused by the same virus. 

Dermatologists can recommend antiviral drugs and over-the-counter painkillers to treat the shingles rash. 

  • Ringworm

Despite the deceptive name, this is a contagious skin condition caused by a fungus, not worms. Ringworm is commonly known as an athlete’s foot. The illness is distinguished by the formation of ring-shaped, flat skin spots, frequently accompanied by tearing and flaking. Antifungal drugs are used to treat the condition.

  1. Impetigo

This is an infectious infection caused by the bacteria streptococcus or staphylococcus. It produces stinging red lesions with a yellow-brown crust. Antibiotics, either as skin creams, pills, or a combination, are used to treat impetigo.

Conclusion

In the absence of skin infection symptoms, serious allergic responses, or adverse drug reactions, going to the local urgent care facility for skin concerns will almost certainly result in a referral to a dermatologist.

This is due to the fact that not all urgent care centers are prepared to diagnose skin ailments or have people who are trained to recognize the wide range of skin issues and illnesses. As a result, they rely on the expertise of a dermatologist. In fact, many local medical clinics keep a network of dermatologists on call who consult and accept patient referrals. Isn’t it quicker and less costly to go directly to the dermatologist rather than an urgent care facility in a non-emergency?