Urgent Care for Rashes

From itching to burning to flaking, skin rashes can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and even debilitating. At Pomona Valley Health Centers, we provide comprehensive urgent care for a wide variety of rashes and skin conditions.

Our caring, experienced team of providers is ready to diagnose your rash, determine the best treatment to relieve your symptoms, and get you on the road to recovery.

Understanding Rashes

Understanding what causes skin rashes, the types of rashes, and symptoms to watch out for can help you know when to seek rash treatment at urgent care.

Signs and Symptoms of Rashes

Depending on the cause of your rash, symptoms can vary. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Itching.
• Burning.
• Stinging.
• Pain.
• Dry, scaly skin.
• Swelling.
• Blisters (may ooze or be crusty).
• Thicker skin.
• Flaking.
• Redness.
• Raised bumps (hives or welts).

Causes of Skin Rashes

Skin rashes can have many causes, including:

• Allergic reactions to a substance (allergen).
• Bacterial infection.
• Irritation.
• Viruses.
• Dry skin.
• Stress.
• Skin conditions (such as eczema).

Types of Rashes

There are several common categories of skin rashes, including:

• Eczema. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema causes itchy, dry skin. It tends to be passed down in families and is more common in people with allergies or asthma.

• Contact Dermatitis. This common type of rash happens when you react to something that touches your skin. Common irritants include poison ivy, certain metals, fragrances, soaps, chemicals, and laundry detergent. Symptoms vary but may include itching, scaling, bumps, blisters (may ooze or crust), burning, and swelling.

• Hives. These raised, itchy bumps may occur due to an allergic reaction to insect stings or allergens in the air.

• Seborrheic Dermatitis. A common skin problem, seborrheic dermatitis typically affects the scalp but may also occur on the face, eyelids, nose, or eyebrows. Commonly known as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis can affect adults and children. In infants and children, it’s often referred to as cradle cap.

• Psoriasis. This autoimmune condition can cause a scaly, thick rash on various parts of the body, including the knees, elbows, back, and scalp.

• Viruses. Some viruses may cause small bumps or rashes. Possible viral causes can include chickenpox, molluscum contagiosum, and chicken pox.

When to Go to Urgent Care for Rash Treatment

Knowing when you should visit urgent care to have your rash evaluated and treated is important. Seek help at urgent care if your rash:

• Won’t go away or is getting worse.
• Is uncomfortable and disrupts your sleep or daily activities.
• Is painful.
• Is reddened, swollen, streaking, or oozing (signs of infection).

You should also seek rash treatment at urgent care if your rash is accompanied by a fever.

Sometimes, a skin rash (such as hives) can accompany anaphylaxis, a serious and life-threatening allergic reaction. Call 911 and get to an emergency room if you experience:

• Severe difficulty breathing.
• Tight or swollen throat or airways.
• A swollen tongue.
• Fainting.
• Dizziness.
• A fast, weak pulse.
• Dropping blood pressure.
• A feeling of impending doom.

How Urgent Care Treats Rashes

At Pomona Valley Health Center Urgent Care, we take the time to carefully evaluate your rash and determine the best treatment for you.

Diagnosing Rashes

Diagnosing the cause of your rash is the first step. An experienced provider will discuss your symptoms, your medical history, and any medications you may take. It’s helpful to be prepared to discuss what may have triggered your rash, how long it’s lasted, and any treatments you may have tried.

Skin or blood tests might be indicated to help your provider diagnose the cause of your rash and determine the most effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Common Skin Rashes

Your provider will determine the best treatment to relieve your rash symptoms and promote healing. Though the best treatment will depend on the cause of your rash, common options include:

• Ointment. Your provider may prescribe a cream or ointment containing a corticosteroid, an antifungal, or a medication to affect your immune system.

• Pills. Certain rashes may require treatment with an antibiotic, oral corticosteroids, or another medicine.

Along with a possible prescription, you’ll also receive instructions on how to care for your rash at home and any follow-up care you may need. At Pomona Valley Health Centers, we ensure you have the resources and information you need to recover and stay healthy.

Preventing Skin Rashes

Certain skin rashes can be preventable. Here are some tips:

• Avoid any known allergy triggers.

• Wash your hands or skin right away if you’ve come into contact with an irritant or allergen.

• Consider mild, hypoallergenic, and unscented products, including soap, lotion, shampoo, and laundry detergent.

• If you are around someone with a rash caused by a virus, avoid contact with their personal items or towels. Wash your hands frequently.

Why Choose Pomona Valley Health Centers for Rash Treatment?

We offer prompt, comprehensive care at each of our PVHC Urgent Care locations. Offering extended hours and exceptional care from experienced providers, Pomona Valley Health Centers are a trusted home for urgent care. We offer a wide range of services for many medical conditions.

If you’re experiencing an uncomfortable or persistent skin rash, contact us today.