Skin Rash
Redness, itching and potential blisters on the skin signal the need for professional attention. Our team is equipped to diagnose and treat your symptoms, ensuring a swift and comfortable recovery.
What is a skin rash?
You’ve probably experienced it at least once: the red, irritated, or inflamed skin known as a rash. Rashes can be itchy, dry, or sore. They’re usually uncomfortable, and sometimes they require medical treatment.
What causes a skin rash?
Skin rashes can happen for various reasons. Most commonly, rashes occur when the skin reacts to an irritant. Some medical conditions can also cause rashes.
Here are some of the common causes of skin rashes:
Allergies: A rash can occur when you consume or come into contact with something you’re allergic to. This can include pollen, bug bites, pet dander, certain foods and other substances.
Irritants: Contact with irritating substances like harsh soaps or detergents can result in a rash.
Insect Bites: Mosquito bites, bee stings and other insect bites can make your skin red and itchy.
Heat and Sweat: Excessive sweating or heat can cause a heat rash, especially in places where your skin rubs together.
Medications: Some medicines can cause skin reactions as a side effect or as the result of an allergy. Always monitor how your body responds to medications, whether you’re taking a new medication or continuing one with known side effects.
Stress: Feeling stressed can sometimes cause rashes. Stress rashes frequently appear in the form of hives on the upper body, although they can appear anywhere.
Pathogens: Some viruses and bacteria can affect the skin, causing rashes and other symptoms. Some well-known examples include chicken pox and Lyme disease.
Skin Conditions: Health conditions like eczema and psoriasis can cause chronic or reoccurring rashes.
Understanding Skin Rashes
“Rashes are a common reason for people to visit us. It’s a good idea to have a rash evaluated,” says Jenilee Foster PA, Director of Education and Training at WellNow Urgent Care. “Most people have probably experienced a mild rash, but some rashes can be signs of more serious medical issues. That’s one of the reasons it’s so important to have a knowledgeable medical team to help you.”
Learning more about common conditions like rashes can help you make smart decisions about your health. You’ll likely benefit from the knowledge at some point, even if you don’t have a rash now.
Skin Rash FAQs
If you’re curious about rashes and how to treat them, you’re not alone. We have answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about skin rashes.How do you identify the rash that you have?
Unless you know you’ve been exposed to an allergen or irritant (such as a plant, soap or chemical you’ve reacted to in the past), it can be difficult to tell what’s causing your rash. Healthcare providers, on the other hand, have many tools to diagnose the cause of your skin irritation.
Diagnosis starts with an examination and learning about your symptoms and medical history. At WellNow Urgent Care, this can be done at a care center or through our virtual care program. Your provider may then order tests to help with diagnosis.
Will a skin rash clear up on its own?
Most rashes clear up on their own in a few days or weeks. If your rash is not improving, it may be a sign that medical treatment is needed.
How long does it take for a rash to go away?
Some rashes can clear up on their own, however a rash can indicate a more complex medical condition therefore we recommend a healthcare provider evaluation.
A healthcare provider can help identify the cause of your rash and ways you can minimize or eliminate your symptoms. This may include prescription medications, antihistamines, creams and lotions or avoiding certain substances that irritate your skin.
How do you know a rash needs emergency medical attention?
You should seek emergency care for your rash if:
Your rash appears suddenly
The rash covers your body and/or spreads quickly
Your rash develops open sores, blisters or infection
A fever accompanies your rash
You have difficulty breathing
When should you visit urgent care for skin rash treatment?
Urgent care providers can help with most non-emergency rashes. WellNow medical professionals are well-versed in treating these and various other ailments.
If your rash is bothering you or doesn't go away, check in online or walk in to a WellNow location nearest you.
This medical information has been reviewed for accuracy by Dr. Robert Biernbaum, Chief Medical Officer for WellNow Urgent Care.
Illnesses and Symptoms We Treat
WellNow Urgent Care treats a variety of illnesses, infections and diseases along with their
associated symptoms. If you are feeling uncomfortable or unwell, our dedicated medical
team is prepared to deliver a personalized and tailored treatment plan to help you get
better, faster.
This list contains our most commonly treated illnesses and symptoms. If you are
experiencing an illness not listed or are unsure of the source of your discomfort, visit a
WellNow location near you or start a virtual care session.