Rash Treatment Questions and Answers

Do you have a skin rash and need help treating it? Visit AFC Urgent Care, we specialize in providing the best care for your day-to-day problems. Call us today to speak to one of our specialists, or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Memphis TN, Arlington TN, Atoka TN, Bartlett TN, Braden TN, Brighton TN and Burlison TN.

Anytime you develop a rash, no matter how big or small, it can feel violating and invasive. As such, we understand the impulse to seek urgent medical attention when you notice a rash developing! When this happens, our medical experts and professionals are here for you at AFC Urgent Care to provide swift and effective treatment.

Can I go to urgent care for a skin rash?

For most skin rashes, urgent care clinics can accurately diagnose the cause of the rash and provide expert treatment for it. However, if your rash occurs with potentially life-threatening complications, you should go directly to your nearest emergency room, as urgent care clinics are not adequately equipped to treat life-threatening medical emergencies. If your skin rash exhibits any of the following symptoms, it could have life-threatening complications:

• Covers your entire body or the majority of it
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Large blisters that are painful or grow larger when you press on them
• Swelling to the lips or tongue
• Throat feels as though it is closing

For any rash that does not occur with potentially life-threatening complications, our team of medical experts and professionals would be more than happy to provide expert treatment at AFC Urgent Care in Memphis, Tennessee!

How long should it take for a rash to go away?

Most rashes tend to go away within a couple of days to one week. However, the length of time it takes for your rash to disappear will ultimately depend on the cause and severity of the rash. At AFC Urgent Care, we will provide swift treatment of any rash to help it go away as quickly as possible. After the rash is diagnosed and treatment is administered or prescribed, our doctors can give you an estimation for when you can expect the rash to go away, as well as instructions for what to do if it continues past that time. If the rash does not go away in the timeframe your doctor provides, we can try other treatment options or refer you to a dermatologist.

When should I see a doctor about a rash?

Some rashes are innocent and benign enough that no medical attention is required. However, others can become a significant problem if they are not treated by a doctor. As such, it is essential to recognize the signs that indicate medical attention is warranted for a rash. Some of those signs include the following:

• Blisters
• Crusting around the rash
• Discharge or pus oozing from the rash
• Fever
• Rash that spreads quickly or is not limited to one area
• Red streaks running away from the rash toward the heart
• Swelling, tenderness, or warmth around the rash

You should also see a doctor for a rash if over-the-counter (OTC) medications have failed to alleviate the rash or if you have developed one while you are pregnant.

What kind of doctor do I see for a rash?

A family doctor, primary care physician (PCP), or general practitioner (GP) can treat rashes with skill and expertise. However, for severe rashes or those that do not respond well to initial treatment, a board-certified dermatologist may be required. If that is the case, your family doctor, PCP, or GP can provide a referral for you to see a dermatologist.

If you are concerned about a rash you are dealing with, our medical experts would be happy to take a look at it and provide any necessary treatment at AFC Urgent Care!