Quick answer: Urgent care can treat hives, mild allergic reactions, itchy or spreading rashes, infected bug bites, tick bites, and minor animal bites. Call 911 or go to the ER for signs of anaphylaxis, including swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing, wheezing, dizziness or fainting, or vomiting after a food, sting or medicine. If you have an epinephrine auto-injector, use it and call 911.
Allergic reactions, rashes and bites range from mildly annoying to life-threatening. Knowing the difference helps you choose the right care quickly.
New to PACS? Start with our complete guide to urgent care in Alexandria, VA.
Allergic reactions
Usually fine for urgent care
- Hives (raised, itchy welts) without breathing problems
- Mild swelling around a sting or bite
- Itchy, watery eyes and sneezing
- A reaction to a new medicine that is limited to the skin
PACS offers walk-in allergy treatment, including steroid injections when needed.
Call 911 or go to the ER for anaphylaxis
- Swelling of the lips, tongue, face or throat
- Trouble breathing, wheezing or a tight throat
- Hoarse voice or trouble swallowing
- Dizziness, fainting or a weak, fast pulse
- Vomiting or severe belly pain after a known allergen
- Hives over the whole body with any of the signs above
Anaphylaxis can get worse in minutes. Read our guide to anaphylaxis: go to the ER and other emergency signs.
Rashes
Urgent care can diagnose and treat many common rashes and skin conditions, including:
- Poison ivy and contact dermatitis
- Eczema flare-ups
- Hives
- Skin infections such as cellulitis or impetigo
- Ringworm and other fungal rashes
- Shingles
- An abscess that may need draining
Go to the ER if a rash comes with a high fever, spreads very fast, blisters or peels over large areas, involves the eyes or mouth, or looks like small bruises that don’t fade when pressed.
Insect and tick bites
Most bug bites only need cleaning, a cold compress and anti-itch cream. Come in if a bite:
- Gets more red, warm, swollen or painful after a day or two (possible infection)
- Has red streaks spreading from it
- Is from a tick and you develop a bull’s-eye rash, fever or body aches in the following weeks
Ticks are common in Northern Virginia parks and yards. Remove a tick with fine-tipped tweezers by pulling straight up, then clean the area.
Animal bites
Dog and cat bites can cause serious infections, and cat bites are especially prone to infection because they’re deep. Urgent care can clean the wound, check if stitches are needed, prescribe antibiotics and update your tetanus shot. Learn about our minor injury care.
Go to the ER for deep or large wounds, bites to the face, bleeding that won’t stop, or a bite from a wild animal like a bat, raccoon or fox, which may need rabies treatment.
Is it allergies or a cold?
If your symptoms come back each spring or fall, read our guide to seasonal allergies in Northern Virginia.
Frequently asked questions
Can urgent care give a steroid shot for an allergic reaction?
Yes. For moderate allergic reactions or severe itching, providers can give a steroid injection, such as dexamethasone or Solu-Medrol, when appropriate.
Should I go to urgent care for hives?
Yes, if the hives are bothersome, spreading or not improving with antihistamines, and you have no trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Do I need a tetanus shot after a bite?
You may need one if your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago. The provider will check.
Get care today at PACS Urgent Care
PACS Urgent Care – Alexandria
3481 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, VA 22302
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM – 8 PM · Walk-ins welcome
Call (571) 656-8838 · Get directions · New patient guide
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911.
