WHAT ARE SKIN RASHES?

The term “rash” is typically used to characterize inflammation or discoloration that presents itself on the skin. This reaction can be caused by a number of things, including fungal, viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections. Common signs of a rash could include redness, blisters, itching, burning, inflammation, or stinging. Some rashes are not contagious while others are and can be spread from person to person if you do not have the rash properly cared for. If you have a rash that is causing you to become uncomfortable or frustrated, Drs. Shane Hill and Scott Rundle can help. Some of the common rashes we treat are:

  • Contact and atopic dermatitis
  • Hives
  • Heat rash
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Rosacea
  • Psoriasis

At MedNorth Urgent Care, our team of medical professionals is well-versed in treating a wide range of rashes on children, men, and women in Thompson Falls, Columbia Falls, and Missoula, MT and beyond. If you have a rash, we encourage you to stop into our Kalispell, MT

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS?

It can be difficult to know when you should seek attention for skin rashes. Some of the signs and symptoms that we pay close attention to at MedNorth Urgent Care Clinic include:

  • Rapid change and escalation in symptoms (over the course of a few to 30 minutes)
  • Wide-spread coverage, including rashes that cover more than 1/3 of the body
  • Rashes that are persistent and fail to go away on their own
  • Additional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and dizzy spells

HOW ARE SKIN RASHES TREATED?

The treatment we use for your rash will depend on the type of rash and its cause. In order to diagnose your rash, we’ll ask you a variety of questions about your job, medical history, allergies, family history, and more. In some cases, we may suggest an over-the-counter medication, like topical hydrocortisone. However, prescription antibacterial, antibiotic, and antifungals can usually help rashes much faster and effectively. If you have a rash that is contagious, we will give you instructions on how to best care for your rash so you don’t spread it to others. Drs. Hill and Rundle can also answer any questions you have about how you can avoid rashes like this in the future.

SKIN RASHES FAQ

What skin rashes are contagious?
There are a variety of skin rash conditions that are contagious for both adults and children. Some of the most common include:

  • Poison ivy rash
  • Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
  • Scabies
  • Ringworm
  • Impetigo

Contagious rashes common to only adults include shingles and yeast infection, while thrush and diaper rash are two potentially contagious conditions most often found in children.

How will I know to seek medical attention for my rashes?
If you suspect that you may have a contagious rash, it is a good idea to contact MedNorth Urgent Care and schedule an appointment as soon as you can. Additionally, if you have been unsuccessful in treating an existing rash with over-the-counter medications and creams, it may be helpful to visit our Kalispell, MT office. We may be able to treat the rash with a higher-strength medication or prescription.

How soon will my rashes go away?
The time it takes for your rashes to heal will vary considerably based on the type of rash you have and the severity of the rash. Some rashes are chronic conditions that will likely not disappear in a matter of weeks. However, most rashes can be treated or managed successfully. For example, if your rash requires a topical hydrocortisone prescription, it will likely go away after about a week.

REDUCE IRRITATING RASHES

At MedNorth Urgent Care, Drs. Shane Hill and Scott Rundle offer a range of treatments for skin rashes. Whether contagious or not, most rashes cause really uncomfortable feelings, such as itchy and burning skin, and an appearance that could cause embarrassment or self-consciousness. If you find yourself with patchy, red, or bumpy skin that you think may be a rash, stop into our Kalispell, MT office to get it checked out. With state-of-the-art technologies and on-site laboratories, we can usually get you in and out relatively quickly.