Your skin is the largest organ and one that protects you more than any other. But a lot can go wrong with your skin. Redness, itching, burning, swelling, and more can all indicate major skin problems. Here are the most likely reasons you may need to visit a dermatologist at your local urgent care.

Acne

Teenagers and adults all over the world often struggle with acne. “Breakouts” of acne can be caused by excess oil, bacteria, hormones, dead skin, and ingrown hairs. They can be categorized as blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Each of these is treated differently and can be treated at home.

However, if you have severe breakouts, especially of more serious forms of acne such as nodules and cysts, you may require treatment from a dermatologist. Cysts and nodules can be identified by the fact that they hide under the skin. These need to be treated by a dermatologist or at one of the 7,357 American urgent care centers.

Hives

Often caused by an allergic reaction, hives are painful, itchy welts that are often reddish in color. They can change shape or grow and turn white when pressed. As an allergic reaction, they can be accompanied by breathing difficulties, nausea, vomiting, swelling, and dizziness. Altogether, these symptoms can be deadly. Chronic hives can also be caused by celiac disease, lupus, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disease.

Hives may go away on their own but most times they need to be treated by a dermatologist. If you get hives from an allergic reaction you may need treatment to avoid worsening symptoms. Chronic hives may be harder to treat but if they become especially uncomfortable, you can visit Linden dermatologists for treatment options.

Rash

There a hundred different reasons you may get a rash. From bug bites to poisonous plants, allergies, and a variety of viruses and bacteria, rashes come in many forms. A rash is characterized by a noticeable change in the color and texture of your skin. It may become scaly, bumpy, itchy, or otherwise irritated.

If you have a rash that is accompanied by fever, swelling, heart or breathing problems, or a sore throat, you should go to an urgent care center immediately. You can still consult a dermatologist if your rash is only accompanied by itching, burning, or other irritation.

Skin irritation isn’t fun. Acne, hives, and rashes are only a few of the things that can go wrong with your skin. So if you notice anything, remember that your skin is important and you can best take care of it by visiting a dermatologist at an urgent care center.