Skin Infection & Rash Treatment in Raleigh, NC
Rashes and skin infections can be itchy, painful, or simply worrying. At Right Care Family Medicine in Raleigh, NC, we evaluate new or changing skin problems and help you understand what’s causing them and how to treat them.
What Are Skin Infections and Rashes?
A rash is any change in the color or texture of your skin, and it can come from allergies, irritation, infections, or long-term skin conditions. Skin infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Common examples include cellulitis, impetigo, abscesses, ringworm, shingles, contact dermatitis, and eczema flare-ups.
Common Symptoms
- Redness or discoloration
- Warmth, swelling, or tenderness
- Itching or burning
- Bumps, blisters, or scaling
- Pus or drainage
- A red area that is spreading
Causes & Risk Factors
Rashes may be triggered by plants such as poison ivy, soaps, new products, medications, heat, or insect bites. Skin infections often start through a cut, scrape, bite, or area of dry, cracked skin. Diabetes, a weakened immune system, and poor circulation can raise the risk of infection and slow healing.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Schedule a visit for a rash that doesn’t improve with home care, keeps coming back, or is spreading, or for skin that is red, warm, swollen, and painful. Seek emergency care for a rash with fever and fast-spreading redness, blistering over large areas, swelling of the face or lips, or trouble breathing.
What to Expect
01
Skin Exam
We look closely at the affected area and ask when it started and what may have triggered it.
02
Finding the Cause
When needed, we may take a swab or culture to identify the cause of an infection.
03
Treatment & Follow-Up
We recommend treatment, which may include creams or oral medication, and refer you to dermatology when specialist care is needed.
Why Choose Right Care Family Medicine for Skin Concerns?
- Same-day sick visits for painful or spreading skin infections
- Clear guidance on home care and warning signs to watch for
- Coordination with dermatology when specialist care is needed
- Medicare, Medicaid, and most major insurance plans accepted
Related Conditions & Services
Skin infections can be more common in people with diabetes, and itchy rashes sometimes go along with allergies. Skin concerns are part of our acute and same-day care, and you can raise skin questions during primary and preventive care visits.
Your Provider for Skin Concerns
Dr. Jessica Wright, MD, MPH, is a board-certified family physician with more than ten years of clinical experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Infections & Rashes
When is a rash a sign of something serious?
Get care quickly if a rash comes with fever, spreads fast, blisters, involves the eyes or mouth, or comes with swelling of the face or trouble breathing.
Is cellulitis contagious?
Cellulitis usually isn’t spread from person to person, but it does need prompt treatment, often with antibiotics, to keep the infection from spreading in the body.
Should I see a family doctor or a dermatologist?
A family doctor can diagnose and treat many common rashes and skin infections. If your condition needs specialist care, we’ll help coordinate a dermatology referral.
Have a Rash or Skin Concern?
Request a visit and we’ll help you figure out what’s going on and what to do next.