Yes, urgent care centers can treat eczema flare-ups, especially when you need immediate relief from severe symptoms. While dermatologists specialize in long-term eczema management, urgent care providers can offer:
- Prescription-strength topical steroids
- Oral medications for itching
- Treatment for infected eczema
- Temporary relief for acute flares
However, for chronic eczema management, you’ll still need to follow up with a dermatologist or primary care provider.
Can Urgent Care Treat Eczema?
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Recommended Reading: Is Eczema Related To Gut Health?
When Urgent Care Makes Sense for Eczema
Urgent care is ideal for:
✔ Severe flare-ups needing quick relief
✔ Suspected skin infections (oozing, pus, fever)
✔ After-hours/weekend symptoms
✔ Cases where you can’t see your regular doctor
In this guide, we’ll explain what urgent care can (and can’t) do for eczema and help you decide when to visit.
What Eczema Treatments Can Urgent Care Provide?
Urgent care clinics typically offer these eczema treatments:
1. Prescription Topical Medications
- Stronger steroid creams than OTC options
- Non-steroid alternatives like tacrolimus ointment
2. Oral Medications
- Antihistamines for intense itching
- Antibiotics if infection is present
- Short-term oral steroids for severe inflammation
3. Infection Treatment
- Diagnosis of staph or other infections
- Prescription antibiotic creams or pills
4. Wound Care
- Sterile dressing for open, weeping eczema
- Proper cleaning techniques
When to Choose Urgent Care vs Other Options
Go to Urgent Care For:
- Sudden, severe flare-ups
- Spreading redness with fever
- Painful cracks or open sores
- Symptoms interfering with sleep/daily life
See a Dermatologist For:
- Chronic eczema management
- Long-term treatment plans
- Allergy testing
- Specialized therapies
Visit the ER For:
- Widespread infected eczema with high fever
- Severe swelling affecting breathing
- Signs of systemic infection
Limitations of Urgent Care for Eczema
While helpful for acute care, urgent care has some limitations:
- Providers may not specialize in skin conditions
- Limited follow-up care available
- Can’t prescribe long-term biologics
- May not have patch testing capabilities
Preparing for Your Urgent Care Visit
To get the most from your visit:
- Bring current medications list
- Note when symptoms started worsening
- Take photos of flare progression
- Ask about referral to dermatologist if needed
FAQs
Can urgent care prescribe eczema creams?
Yes, they can prescribe topical steroids and other meds for temporary relief.
How much does eczema treatment cost at urgent care?
Typically 100−250 without insurance, less than ER visits.
Will urgent care give me a steroid shot for eczema?
Some may offer corticosteroid injections for severe flares.
Should I go to urgent care for baby eczema?
Yes, if symptoms are severe or infected, but pediatricians are preferred when available.
