When to Seek Urgent Care for a Rash: Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

Signs and Symptoms of a Rash

Recognizing the symptoms of a rash will help you understand when to see a doctor. The Mayo Clinic notes that the symptoms of a rash may include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Bumps or blisters
• Scaling or crusting
• Pain or discomfort

The AAD notes that some rashes (like ones associated with an allergy) can appear quickly, while others may develop over several hours.

Causes of Skin Rashes

If you have symptoms of a rash, it's important to determine the underlying cause so you can get proper treatment and avoid future outbreaks. The Mayo Clinic notes that rashes can be caused by various factors, including some of the following.

Allergies

Allergic reactions can cause a rash to appear on your skin, according to the Mayo Clinic. Common allergens include certain foods, cosmetics, soaps, medications, and insect bites. If you suspect that your rash is caused by an allergy, it's important to identify the allergen and avoid it in the future, according to the NIH.

Infections

Viral and bacterial infections can also cause a rash, according to the Mayo Clinic. For example, chickenpox is a viral infection that often causes a rash with itchy, fluid-filled blisters. Bacterial infections such as impetigo can also cause a rash.

Medications

Certain medications can cause a rash as a side effect, according to the NIH. Antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some examples of medications that can cause a rash.

Dermatological Conditions

Skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea can cause a rash, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The Cleveland Clinic also notes that these conditions are often chronic and require ongoing treatment to manage symptoms.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to certain environmental factors can cause a rash, according to the NIH. For example, contact with poison ivy, oak, or sumac can often cause an itchy, red rash. Other environmental factors that can cause a rash include heat, cold, and sun exposure.

Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause a rash as a symptom of a flare-up. These conditions occur when the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, leading to inflammation and other symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic.

When to Seek Urgent Care for Rash

When dealing with skin rashes, it is important to know when you can try a home remedy and when it is time to seek urgent care.

The Mayo Clinic recommends that you seek urgent care if you have a rash that is accompanied by severe symptoms such as fever, chills, or body aches. These symptoms could indicate a serious infection or other medical condition that requires immediate treatment. Additionally, the NIH recommends seeking emergency care in the following situations.

Rapidly Spreading Rash

If your rash is rapidly spreading and getting worse, it may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction or infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. They also note that you should seek care at an emergency room or urgent care clinic right away if you notice that your rash is spreading quickly or if it is covering a large area of your body.

Previous Allergic Reactions

If you have had an allergic reaction to a medication or food in the past, you should seek medical attention if you develop a rash. This could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Difficulty Breathing

If you have a rash and develop difficulty breathing, you should seek emergency care right away, according to the Mayo Clinic. Difficulty breathing could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction or other medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Swelling of the Face, Lips, or Tongue

The Mayo Clinic also notes that you should seek emergency care right away if you have a rash along with swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. They note that this could be a sign of a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate medical intervention.

What to Expect at Urgent Care For a Rash

During your visit to urgent care for a rash, you can expect to be seen by a healthcare provider who will examine your skin and ask you questions about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform tests (such as a skin biopsy or allergy testing) to help diagnose the cause of your rash, according to the AAD. Additionally, the NIH writes that for some recurring skin rashes, the culprit may be found during a process of elimination (for example, removing or replacing home products one at a time).

Once a diagnosis is made, your healthcare provider will recommend a treatment plan to help relieve your symptoms and reduce the chances of experiencing future rashes. The NIH reports that some treatment plans may include one or more of the following.

Medications

Depending on the cause and severity of your rash, your healthcare provider may prescribe oral medications. Some common oral medications listed by the NIH include antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressants.

Topical Treatments

Your healthcare provider may also recommend topical treatments (such as creams or ointments) to help relieve itching and inflammation.

Phototherapy

Phototherapy involves exposing the affected area of the skin to ultraviolet light and is a common treatment for reducing inflammation of the skin, according to the NIH.

Special Home Care Instructions

Your healthcare provider may provide you with instructions on how to care for your rash at home. Some home care treatments may include avoiding irritants, keeping the affected area clean and dry, and applying topical treatments as directed.

Prevention of Rash

Rashes can be uncomfortable and even painful. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to help prevent some types of rashes. Here are some tips from the AAD and Mayo Clinic.

Avoiding Allergens

One of the most common causes of rashes, according to the Mayo Clinic, is exposure to something you are allergic to. This can include things like pollen, pet dander, and certain foods or cosmetic products. If you know that you are allergic to something, it is important to avoid it as much as possible. You can also take steps to reduce your exposure to allergens by keeping your home clean and free of dust and other irritants.

Good Hygiene

Good hygiene can help prevent some types of rashes, according to the AAD. Good hygiene includes washing your hands regularly and taking showers or baths as often as your doctor or dermatologist recommends. You should also avoid sharing certain personal items like towels and washcloths, as these can spread bacteria and other germs, according to the AAD.

Using Protective Clothing

If you are going to be spending time outdoors, it is important to wear protective clothing for many reasons. One reason is to protect your skin from certain types of plants and insects that could cause a rash. The Mayo Clinic recommends wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants if you are in an area where you may come in contact with plants or insects.

Staying Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is important for many reasons—one reason is for keeping your skin healthy and hydrated. When your skin is dry, it is more susceptible to rashes and other irritations, notes the Mayo Clinic.

Protecting Your Skin From Sun Exposure

Sun exposure can irritate the skin and cause a rash—especially if you have sensitive skin or take certain medications. If you are going to be spending time outdoors, the AAD recommends wearing sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid getting too much UV. You should also try to avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day when the sun's rays are the strongest.

Complications of Rashes

Rashes can be uncomfortable and unsightly, but some rashes can also lead to complications if left untreated, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Secondary Infections

If you scratch your rash, you can break the skin and introduce bacteria into the wound, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can lead to an infection, which may require antibiotics to treat. Signs of an infection include redness, warmth, swelling, and pus, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Scarring

If you scratch your rash too much, you can permanently damage the skin and cause scarring. This is especially true if you have a deep, itchy rash that you scratch repeatedly, according to the Mayo Clinic. Scarring can be permanent and may require cosmetic treatment to improve the appearance of the affected area.

Dealing with a rash can have significant psychological impacts, especially if the rash is visible to others. This can impact people who have chronic eczema, or psoriasis. Dealing with chronic rashes (such as eczema or psoriasis) can be embarrassing and even lead to anxiety and depression according to the AAD.

It's important to remember that you are not alone. Many people struggle with these feelings, and there are resources available to help you cope. Consider seeking support from a mental health professional if you are dealing with chronic rashes.

Tips for Preventing Rashes

To help prevent rashes, the Mayo Clinic and AAD have several recommendations, including:

• Avoiding contact with known irritants or allergens
• Keeping your skin clean and dry
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing made from breathable materials
• Using sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn
• Avoiding sharing personal items, such as towels or razors, with others

Importance of Seeking Care for Rashes

Rashes can be caused by various factors, including allergies, infections, and skin conditions. Some rashes can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as an autoimmune disorder or cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is important to get the cause of your rash diagnosed so that you can get the right treatment and possibly avoid more rashes in the future. Prompt care can also help you get relief from the discomfort of dealing with a rash.