How On Demand Care Helps Treat Rashes, Poison Ivy, and Bug Bites
Spring and summer bring plenty of reasons to enjoy the outdoors—but they can also bring itchy rashes, poison ivy, and bug bites that leave you uncomfortable and wondering what to do next. The good news? CHRISTUS On Demand Care makes it easy to virtually treat many skin irritations quickly so you can return to feeling like yourself again.
When to Use On Demand Care for Rashes
Rashes can be caused by anything from allergic reactions to viral infections. Some common rashes treated through On Demand Care include:
- Contact dermatitis: Caused by irritants like new creams, detergents, or lotions.
- Viral rashes: Often accompany colds, fevers, or childhood illnesses.
- Shingles: A painful rash with blisters in a specific pattern, common in adults older than 50.
- Allergic reactions: Hives or redness from medications, supplements, or unknown triggers.
How On Demand Care Helps:
- A clinician can examine the rash virtually and recommend over-the-counter treatments, like antihistamines or topical steroids.
- For severe rashes, they may prescribe stronger medications or suggest an in-person follow-up.
What to Watch For:
Seek in-person care if the rash:
- Is accompanied by fever, swelling, or pain.
- Becomes infected (redness spreads, it oozes, or you notice streaking).
- Covers a large area or sensitive regions, like the face or eyes.
Poison Ivy: A Common but Treatable Rash
Poison ivy rashes occur after skin contact with an oily resin called urushiol, found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. It can cause intense itching, redness, and blistering.
How On Demand Care Helps:
- A clinician can visually confirm poison ivy during a virtual visit.
- Treatment includes topical or oral steroids for severe cases to reduce itching and inflammation.
- Here is advice on preventing the rash from worsening: Wash skin thoroughly with specialized washes such as dish soap.
When to Seek In-Person Care:
- If the rash is spreading quickly or becomes severely inflamed.
- If it covers large areas, like your face, eyes, or hands.
Tip: Wash your clothes, shoes, and tools after outdoor activities to avoid re-exposure to poison ivy oils.
When to Use On Demand Care for Bug Bites
Bug bites are a summer nuisance but are usually manageable with quick treatment. On Demand Care can help if you have:
- Itchy, swollen bites that don’t respond to basic care.
- Bites that are starting to look infected (red, hot to the touch, or spreading).
- Reactions to bites that cause discomfort, like painful swelling or mild allergic symptoms.
How On Demand Care Helps:
- Clinicians can evaluate the bite virtually and advise on care, including antihistamines, topical steroids, or antibiotics if an infection is suspected.
- For severe bites, like those from spiders, clinicians will advise if you need immediate in-person care.
What to Watch For:
Seek in-person care for bites if you notice:
- Rapid spreading redness or significant swelling
- Fever, chills, or increasing pain
- Signs of a severe bite (e.g., ulcers, discoloration) from spiders like the brown recluse
Example: A clinician may help you virtually treat mild mosquito or ant bites. But if you’ve been bitten by a spider and notice worsening pain or discoloration, you’ll be advised to seek urgent care.
Be Prepared for Outdoor Irritants
To reduce your risk of worsening symptoms:
- Wash bites and rashes immediately with soap and water
- Use a pen to mark the edges of swelling on bug bites to monitor for spreading
- Avoid scratching to prevent infection
When On Demand Care Is the Right Call
Skin irritations like rashes, poison ivy, and bug bites are usually straightforward to treat.
With On Demand Care, you can connect with a clinician from home and get quick, effective relief. You’ll also receive advice on what to monitor so you know when further care is needed.
Feeling itchy? Don’t wait.
Schedule an On Demand Care visit today and get relief from poison ivy, rashes, and bug bites—fast and from home.
