Rash

Most rashes and skin irritations are caused by exposure to something that your body treats like a foreign invader. A rash is a natural reaction to that. After identifying the cause, patients may need topical or injectable steroids, antifungal medication or antibiotics.

In case of an abnormal fast-spreading rash, an urgent care doctor can refer you to a specialist for specific treatment, like seeing a dermatologist. If you’re unsure what caused the rash, it’s a good idea to take photos and note just how quickly it’s progressing.

What Can Cause a Rash?

A new itchy rash may be a chemical reaction to something in your shampoo or cosmetics. Seek medical attention if a blistering rash appears in and around your eyes, mouth or groin.

• Have you switched laundry detergent, face or body soap or lotions that affect your skin?
• Have you started taking new medications, supplements or herbal remedies?
• Have you recently had COVID? While less common, the coronavirus can cause red skin irritation.
• Are you experiencing a heat rash from heat exposure, UV rays or extreme humidity? Heat rash usually heals by cooling the skin and avoiding exposure to the cause.
• Did you travel to a foreign country and were bitten by anything?
• If a rash keeps coming back, it may indicate a chronic skin condition (such as eczema or psoriasis) or an allergic reaction. See a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Poison ivy and poison oak

In many cases, skin irritation doesn’t require emergency care. A rash from poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac is caused by oils found in these plants. When this oil touches your skin, it often causes an itchy, blistering rash.

Most people can safely treat the rash at home. It usually appears within 4-48 hours of coming into contact with poisonous plants. After exposure to poison ivy, rinse exposed skin with water immediately – avoid harsh scrubbing which can spread the infection. Change the clothes you were wearing, too.

Common garden plants may cause mild skin irritation:

• Hot chili peppers
• Flowering strawberry plants
• Tulips and daffodil bulbs
• Rose hips
• Stinging nettles

When to go to urgent care for a rash

Rashes come in many forms and can take days or even weeks to heal. If you think your rash is a reaction to medication, stop taking it and call your doctor.

Watch for severe side effects from a rash:

• Shortness of breath
• Tightness or swelling in the throat
• Areas of pain and tenderness
• Signs of infection like yellow or green pus
• Streaks of red under the skin
• Fever and blisters in the mouth