Summer is the time when rashes, sunburns and skin infections most often occur. Being outdoors, in the sun, around insects, animals, and new allergens can present skin problems. These common culprits can create skin conditions that require immediate medical attention. The physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are experienced in diagnosing and treating urgent skin problems as soon as they arise.
Skin conditions can be painful and serious. Our rapid results labs can support a fast and accurate diagnosis of a variety of skin flare-ups. If you are experiencing any of a number of common skin conditions, come into Medco ER any time day or night to find a board-certified physician ready to treat you.
Common Skin Conditions
- Skin infections
- Dermatitis
- Rosacea
- Poison ivy or poison oak
- Cat scratch fever1
- Sunburn
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever1
- Necrotizing fasciitis1
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome1
- Toxic shock syndrome1
- Angioedema2
- Eczema2
- Psoriasis2
- Meningitis2
- Septicemia2
- Hives
- Ringworm3
- Drug reaction side effect3
- Heat rash3
- Shingles3
- Swimmer’s itch3
Common Symptoms
Skin conditions can be accompanied by a rash. Rashes can look or feel like:4
- Blisters
- Raised, red, swollen area
- Patches of discoloration or blotches
- Ring shaped or perfect circles
- Lacy in appearance
- Thick or leathery
- Scaly and flakey
- Raised bumps
- Red welts
- Oozing or pus-filled
- Hot to the touch
- Tight skin
Warning Signs
If your rash is accompanied by a fever, headache, muscle weakness or nausea, it’s time to come to Medco ER for help. If your skin condition is accompanied by difficulty breathing or tightness of the chest, you could be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction and need immediate ER care.
If your rash or skin condition covers a large part of your body or your whole body, that is a warning sign that you need to be seen at the ER. Discoloration, mouth sores, sore throat, diarrhea or joint pain accompanying a rash are other indicators that something is wrong.
Skin conditions that have swelling, discharge, crusting and are warm to the touch are indicators of infection and require medical care. Sepsis is a risk where infection is present.
Finally, if you are immunocompromised such as from having had surgery, cancer treatment, or a recent injury, and you develop a skin condition, come in to Medco ER and let us examine you right away.
“Skin conditions can be alarming because they can appear rapidly and cause extreme discomfort,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “That’s why we advise you to come in right away. Also, if your skin condition is infected, we can administer IV antibiotics at Medco ER that you wouldn’t be able to get at a doctor’s office or an urgent care.”
Prevention Tips
“While it is difficult to predict what may cause a skin irritation or condition, there are some basic things you can do to keep your skin healthy,” said Dr. Khan. “Keep your skin clean and dry. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals. Apply moisturizer with an SPF rating and use sunscreen when going outside. If you tend to get heat rash from skin-on-skin contact, sometimes weight loss can help. Use flip flops in the shower or locker room. If you are going hiking or outdoors, apply bug spray and check for ticks regularly.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
When skin conditions or rashes flare up, you can find fast help at Medco ER. We’re open 24/7 and have an in-house pharmacy with many prescriptions and creams designed to help common skin problems.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/1001/p773.html
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1283494/