Rashes
Skin rashes develop for a myriad of reasons. Sometimes, rashes occur due to exposure to heat, while other times, they signify an allergic reaction. Most skin rashes can be treated at home, but it’s important to know when the signs indicate it’s time to go to the emergency room.
With six conveniently located facilities, Legacy ER & Urgent Care can diagnose and treat your skin rash. We are open 24 hours a day, and you don’t need an appointment.
Heat Rash
Infants, children, and adults can develop a heat rash. This occurs when
blocked pores trap sweat under the skin.
The symptoms of a heat rash include:
- Itchy red bumps
- Blisters
- Burning, prickly, or stinging sensation
When to Go to the ER for a Heat Rash
While heat rashes generally get better on their own, you might require medical care. Go to the emergency room if:
- The rash does not go away after a few days.
- It is painful.
- The area becomes infected.
- It has bright red streaks or marks.
- You have a fever.
- It develops after you start a new medication.
Poison Ivy Rash
Approximately 85 percent of people in the United States are allergic to poison ivy. In addition, 10-15 percent of those people are extremely allergic, according to the American Skin Association. If you have an allergic reaction after coming into contact with poison ivy, you’ll develop a poison ivy rash.
The following are symptoms of a poison ivy rash:
- Redness
- Itching
- Swelling
- Blisters
If you breathe in smoke from burning poison ivy, you also might experience difficulty breathing.
When to Go to the ER With a Poison Ivy Rash
In most cases, poison ivy can be treated at home and will go away within three weeks. You can keep yourself comfortable by:
- Applying cortisone cream and calamine lotion
- Taking antihistamines
- Soaking the rash in a cool bath with a half cup of baking soda
- Applying a cool, moist compress
However, sometimes, a poison ivy rash requires immediate medical attention. Go to the emergency room for treatment if you experience any of the following:
- The rash is widespread.
- The rash is severe.
- Your skin continues swelling
- The rash is on/in your genitals, mouth, or eyes.
- You have a fever higher than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The rash doesn’t improve after three weeks.
Stress Rash
A stress rash refers to a flare-up that occurs after a stressful event. During times of significant stress, a current skin rash can worsen, or you can develop new hives. Hives from stress are generally small and look much like mosquito bites.
A stress rash typically goes away within 24 hours of the onset. You can also use at-home treatments, including cortisone cream and antihistamines.
A stress rash refers to a flare-up that occurs after a stressful event. During times of significant stress, a current skin rash can worsen, or you can develop new hives. Hives from stress are generally small and look much like mosquito bites.
A stress rash typically goes away within 24 hours of the onset. You can also use at-home treatments, including cortisone cream and antihistamines.
When to Go to the Emergency Room for a Skin Rash
You might not know the cause of your skin rash. Still, you can look for signs to see if you need to go to the emergency room. Go to the doctor if your rash:
- Is on a large portion of your body
- Spreads quickly
- Is oozing puss
- Has red streaks
- Is warm to the touch
- Is located in folds of your skin
- Is near your genitals, eyes, or mouth
- Is painful
If you think your rash is a medical emergency, visit Legacy ER & Urgent Care. Our ER-trained physicians are available to diagnose and treat your skin rash.