When To Seek Urgent Care for A Rash

A rash is a change in the skin’s texture or color that can be caused by allergies, infections, autoimmune diseases or excessive heat. Most rashes are mild and resolve on their own within a few days. However, some rashes can be a sign of a more serious condition that requires immediate attention from an urgent care provider. Read on to learn more about the different types of rashes, how to effectively treat a rash at home and when you should seek medical evaluation.

Common Types of Rashes

Before you can determine whether to seek urgent care for a rash, it’s important to identify what type of rash you are dealing with. The most common rash types include:

• Seborrheic dermatitis: This rash causes mild to significant itching and often appears oily or flakey. It may be caused by a fungus on the skin.
• Atopic dermatitis (eczema): This type of rash causes skin redness and extreme itching. Eczema is caused by an overactive immune system and can occur anywhere on the body.
• Diaper rash: When urine or feces is left on the skin for too long, it can cause a diaper rash to develop. While it is more common in babies, it can also occur in adults.
• Contact dermatitis: This kind of rash develops when the skin comes into contact with chemical irritants, such as poison ivy. Contact dermatitis can also be caused by an allergic reaction to metals, such as nickel.
• Drug-related rash: This type of rash can be caused by antibiotics or other medications. It can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea and high fever.
• Hives: This rash appears as red, itchy bumps that typically disappear within 24 hours. Hives can be caused by allergies, infections or even heightened levels of stress.
• Heat rash: A heat rash is caused by sweat getting trapped in the skin and is most common in hot, humid weather.

How To Treat a Rash at Home

For mild rashes, there are several effective treatment methods that can mitigate further skin irritation and help reduce discomfort. Effective at-home treatment options for rashes include:

• Applying a cool compress to the rash
• Taking an OTC pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
• Applying an OTC hydrocortisone cream
• Soaking in an oatmeal bath
• Coating the rash with calamine lotion

To prevent additional skin irritation, it’s crucial to avoid scratching or picking at the rash while your skin is healing. In most cases, the skin will recover and be back to normal within a few days.

When To See an Urgent Care Provider

If your rash persists, it’s strongly recommended to get the rash evaluated by a healthcare provider. Some signs that you may need to visit Midwest Express Clinic urgent care include:

• If the rash is severe, covers a large area of your body, is painful or oozes pus
• If you have a fever or difficulty breathing
• If the rash is spreading rapidly
• If the rash is on your face, genitals or hands
• If you have a weakened immune system
• If you have a chronic skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis

During your medical evaluation, one of our experienced providers will inspect the rash, ask a few questions about your symptoms and may perform tests to determine the root cause of the rash. After a diagnosis is reached, the provider will discuss treatment options and answer any questions you may have.

Rash Prevention Tips

You can help prevent rashes by keeping your skin clean and limiting your exposure to common skin irritants. Here are some helpful tips to help prevent rashes.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after being out in nature or in public spaces.
• Keep your skin clean and dry.
• Avoid harsh detergents and soaps.
• Avoid scratching or irritating your skin.
• Wear sunscreen to prevent sun damage to your skin.

To prevent rashes, it is important to stay current on vaccines such as chickenpox and shingles, as these diseases can cause severe rashes. Some sexually transmitted diseases such as HPV, herpes and syphilis can cause skin rashes, which is why it is vital to prioritize safe sex practices. By following these tips, you can help keep your skin healthy and prevent skin rashes in the future.

If you or a loved one develop a rash and are unsure whether it needs immediate medical attention, head to one of Midwest Express Clinic’s 50+ locations to receive a prompt diagnosis and treatment guidance. To find urgent care near you, visit midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.