At The Urgent Care at Vermont, we treat patients with skin infections and other skin problems, including rashes, abrasions, and minor burns, though we may refer you to a dermatologist if your condition requires a specialist.
Skin Infections
Skin infections are surprisingly common. They sometimes clear up on their own or can be treated with an antibiotic cream from the pharmacy, but they may be serious enough to require immediate medical attention, particularly if symptoms worsen or show now improvement after three days of over-the-counter medication.
A skin infection could have many causes, including staph or strep. These spread rapidly and cause sepsis without treatment, and could even be life-threatening. If you see symptoms of cellulitis (heat, tenderness, blistering, red rashes, swelling, and/or pus), this can mean a bacterial infection that is difficult to treat at home. Cellulitis spreads particularly quickly in those with diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Rashes
Rashes also have many causes, from sunburns to allergies to infections, and most can be treated at an urgent care clinic such as ours. Come se us if the rash:
- Is extremely painful
- Has been worsening over time
- Is accompanied by dizziness, vomiting, or fever
- Is accompanied by eye inflammation
- Does not improve after a few days
- If you are experiencing weigh loss or joint pain
- If red streaks begin to lead from the rash up your arm or leg
- If pus is draining from any wound on your body
Rashes are not always serious but some can be dangerous if they go untreated. Some conditions that cause a rash include measles, rubella, chickenpox, and molluscum contagiosum.
Abrasions
Common abrasions include stubbed toes, skinned knees and elbows, and carpet burns. Most abrasions don’t cause much damage and require minor treatment if any. Home treatment for abrasions can be as simple as removing jewelry, cleaning the area, applying topical ointment, and bandaging it. Contact us for any deep or infected abrasions or ones that don’t heal quickly.
We definitely want to see you if your abrasion shows signs of infection, including pain, warmth, redness, swelling, or pus. Make sure that you keep up with your tetanus booster schedule (one shot every ten years), because an abrasion could lead to a serious infection. Signs of tetanus or lockjaw include:
- Neck stiffness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Elevated blood pressure
- Rapid heartbeat
- Jaw and/or body spasms
Burns
Many burns can be treated at home, but some are serious enough to benefit from medical attention. Severe burns are worth an emergency room visit. Avoid treating burns with home remedies like butter, as this can actually make the burn worse. A simple burn cream is a better option. The major categories of burns are:
- First-degree burns: symptoms include mild redness, swelling, pain, and peeling of the skin, but no blistering. Sunburns usually fall into this category. Treat with topical burn creams. You can also run cool water over it for several minutes, but do not use ice or very cold water.
- Second-degree burns: the skin may thicken and blister at this stage. Cool water will still help. Cleaning, bandaging, and follow-up care are necessary.
- Third-degree burns: The skin may appear white and leathery, with widespread thickening. Blisters may not fully develop, and there may be less pain due to nerve damage. Seek immediate medical care, and make sure no clothing is stuck to the skin..
- Fourth-degree burns: The tissue is damaged beyond the skin, including nerves, tendons, and bones. Call 911 for emergency treatment.
The best burn treatment is prevention. Always wear sunscreen when spending time outdoors, be careful near heat sources, and wear protective gear when handling dangerous chemicals.