Red bumps, itchy rash, peeling skin, blisters, clustered lesions, swollen lymph nodes and fever are some of the indicators of skin conditions that can cause discomfort and require immediate medical attention from Advance ER in Dallas. Sometimes appearing suddenly, a skin condition can be startling if you had never experienced it before.
Does my rash really need the ER?
“You might not think of skin conditions as something to be seen in the ER,” said Advance ER physician Dr. Joseph Meier, “But when you think of the pain that comes with something like shingles, or the contagious quality of ringworm, for example, skin conditions do require emergency care, at times.”
Should I see a dermatologist?
At Advance ER, our SPECIALIST NOWSM program gives you fast access to a dermatologist with no additional charges from the specialist. If a skin condition needs a second opinion or a specialist consultation, it’s readily available at Advance ER. Advance ER’s SPECIALIST NOW℠ service is contingent on our specialists having availability.
Some common kinds of skin conditions seen in the ER:
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Impetigo
- Ringworm
- Necrotizing Fasciitis
- Rubeola (Measles)
- Rosacea
- Carbuncle
- Hives
- Candidiasis
- Lichen Planus
- Shingles
- Staph Infection
- Athlete’s Foot
- Infected Tattoo
- Vitiligo
How are skin conditions diagnosed?
Your physician will begin by identifying the cause of the ailment. A thorough examination of your skin, hair and nails will take place. Your lymph nodes and temperature will also be checked to see if you have an infection.
A biopsy or skin scraping of the infected area may be collected and examined under a microscope. A laboratory culture may be needed to identify the source. Additional tests may be done to see how the skin condition reacts to UV light or to slight pressure.
What are the common treatments for skin conditions?
“Skin conditions vary in treatment such as ointments, creams, lotions, or bath treatments, which are all topical treatments. Dressings are sometimes applied to protect open wounds and to help with the absorption of medication,” said Dr. Meier. “Systemic drugs are taken orally. In some cases, IV medications are needed. If it is caused by a more serious condition or disease, then appropriate treatments will be taken.”
Your board-certified physician at Advance ER has the expertise to address your skin condition when the symptoms are severe, worsening or painful. Open 24/7, we have the in-house labs and pharmaceuticals to begin to treat your condition. “If you are in pain, if you suspect something’s wrong with a mole, or if you just feel lousy all over and have a skin eruption or lesion, come to Advance ER right away for a diagnosis,” said Dr. Meier.
Meet Dr. Meier:
Dr. Joseph Meier is board-certified in emergency medicine and he received his medical degree, with honors, from Mayo Medical School, Rochester, MN.
He completed his emergency medicine residency at UC Davis, Sacramento, CA, where he pioneered ultrasound protocols and chest pain protocols. Dr. Meier has experience in diagnosing and treating a variety of chronic, acute and sudden-onset conditions.
