Skin problems are typically addressed by a dermatologist, a specialist in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. In most urgent care settings, a doctor can identify a skin infection and may prescribe antibiotics or creams to treat it. Cronin Dermatology allows patients to seek urgent care for dermatology in Chevy Chase. Patients are often referred to a dermatologist for follow-up care. However, it may be more efficient to see a dermatologist directly to avoid a lengthy wait at an ER or urgent care center. Even primary care physicians often refer patients to dermatologists.
Not all skin issues are suitable for evaluation in an emergency room or urgent care. Usually, you don’t need to visit the ER or urgent care if you can book an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist. A convenient alternative is Video Visits, where you can consult with a dermatologist remotely through a video conferencing platform. This option allows people to receive a diagnosis and treatment plan without leaving their homes.
Multiple studies have found that severe skin infections are the leading dermatological condition prompting visits to emergency rooms or urgent care facilities. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology indicates that cellulitis, a bacterial skin infection, accounts for nearly half of all dermatology-related ER visits.
How to Define a Serious Skin Infection
An infection can occur whenever the skin is broken, whether from a cut, scrape, puncture wound, piercing, tattoo, insect sting, or bite.
Common symptoms of a skin infection include:
- Increasing pain
- Swelling around the affected area
- Failure of the injury to heal after 10 days
- Pus or fluid leaking from the site
- Redness around the injury
- A red streak extending from the injured area toward the heart
- A yellowish crust forming on red skin
- Blisters
When is it Time to go to Urgent Care for Skin Infections?
You should seek urgent care if you have an obvious infection accompanied by a fever of 100.4 or higher.
If a rash or other skin issue spreads over more than 10 percent of your body, contact a dermatologist immediately. Especially if you also have fever, joint aches, muscle pain, difficulty swallowing, or sleep disturbances.
Urgent Care For Dermatology in Chevy Chase
At Cronin Dermatology in Chevy Chase, MD, we understand that sometimes you can’t wait when there are urgent skin infections. If you have concerns or need guidance on treatment options, contact us at 301-804-6673 or fill out a form.