News

April 2 2024

Unveiling the Comprehensive Services of Victoria ER: Your Trusted Freestanding Emergency Room

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In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the rise of Freestanding Emergency Rooms (ERs) has revolutionized the way we approach medical emergencies. As such, Victoria ER is committed to delivering swift, professional, and comprehensive emergency services.

In our latest blog article, we take a deep look into the diverse range of services that sets Victoria ER apart, as well as why choosing a freestanding ER is a crucial decision for your health and well-being.

Emergency Medical Care 24/7

Victoria ER takes pride in being a beacon of support, offering unwavering emergency medical care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whether it’s a sudden injury, unexpected illness, or any medical concern requiring immediate attention, our doors are always open, ensuring you receive timely and high-quality care. Better yet, it’s never required to have an appointment.

Board-Certified ER Physicians

The heart of any medical facility lies in its medical professionals. At Victoria ER, our team comprises board-certified ER physicians with extensive experience and expertise. These dedicated professionals are equipped to handle a spectrum of emergencies, providing you with the assurance that your health is in capable hands.

State-of-the-Art Diagnostics

Rapid and accurate diagnostics are crucial in emergencies. Victoria ER recognizes this imperative and has invested in state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. From X-rays, CT scans, Ultrasounds, and laboratory services, our facility ensures that physicians can make informed decisions promptly, expediting the path to recovery.

Emergency Imaging Services

Time is of the essence in emergencies, especially when it comes to diagnostic imaging. Victoria ER’s commitment to cutting-edge technology ensures access to advanced imaging services. This capability is instrumental in diagnosing and assessing critical conditions, contributing to more effective and timely treatments.

Pediatric Emergency Care

Families can find comfort in the fact that Victoria ER is well-equipped to provide specialized care for pediatric emergencies. Our staff is trained to handle the unique needs of children, creating a comforting environment for both young patients and their parents during challenging times.

IV Hydration Therapy

Dehydration is a common concern in emergencies, and Victoria ER addresses it through intravenous (IV) hydration therapy. Our facility is equipped to administer fluids swiftly, ensuring that patients receive the necessary hydration for a quicker recovery.

Trauma Care

Traumatic injuries demand immediate and specialized attention. Victoria ER is well-prepared to handle trauma cases, providing extensive care and stabilization for patients with injuries ranging from fractures to more severe conditions.

In emergency medical care, Victoria ER stands as a paragon of excellence. The services offered, coupled with a commitment to professionalism and efficiency, make it a reliable choice for individuals seeking prompt and top-tier emergency healthcare.

Trust in Victoria ER, where your health and well-being are our top priorities. Victoria ER means choosing comprehensive, compassionate, and cutting-edge emergency care for you and your loved ones.

To learn more about Victoria ER, click here.

October 2 2023

Do You Have a Concussion?

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Do You Have a Concussion?

A concussion refers to a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that happens when there is a quick and powerful blow or jolt to the head, resulting in the brain moving rapidly within the skull. Yet, a concussion can even occur without direct impact to the head, as the forceful movement of the head and neck alone can be enough to cause a concussion. Concussions are common in sports injuries (like football), car accidents, and falls.

Though concussions are typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history assessment, physical examination, neurological evaluation, and sometimes imaging studies, there are ways to test for the injury yourself. Take a look!

Are You Concussed?

Athletes can immediately access doctors and trainers to assess if they have a concussion, but the everyday person doesn’t have the same resources. As such, what happens when you stumble and hit your head at home? How can you tell if you or anyone else in the house has a concussion?

To start, consider the following:

Loss of Consciousness
Assess Memory and Concentration
Monitor Headache and Dizziness
Evaluate Nausea and Vomiting
Assess Balance and Coordination
Observe Sensitivity to Light and Noise
Check for Visual Disturbances
Examine Speech and Language
Assess Changes in Behavior
Eye Pain and/or Eye Fatigue
Changes in Sleep Patterns
Neck Pain or Stiffness
Impaired Depth Perception

Any of the symptoms listed above could be cause for concern. Therefore, it’s highly recommended you seek professional medical attention if or when the noted ailments are present. In short, however, anytime you feel “off,” think about stopping by Victoria ER.

Further, if you suspect a concussion, getting medical attention is crucial, as prompt evaluation and appropriate management are essential for recovery and preventing potential complications.

Testing for a Concussion

At Victoria ER, we employ various methods to test for a concussion, such as the:

Physical Examination
A thorough physical examination is performed to assess general physical health, balance, coordination, reflexes, muscle strength, vision, hearing, and other neurological functions. This examination may include an evaluation of motor skills, coordination, and reflexes.

Cognitive Testing
Various cognitive tests may be conducted to evaluate memory, concentration, attention, and problem-solving skills. Generally, cognitive tests include the SCAT (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool) and the ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing).

Neurological Examination
A comprehensive neurological examination may be conducted to assess brain function, including vision, hearing, coordination, balance, and reflexes. This examination helps identify any abnormalities in neurological function associated with a concussion.

Balance Testing
Balance assessments, such as the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), may be used to evaluate balance and postural stability, as concussions can affect a person’s ability to maintain balance.

Imaging Studies
In some cases, imaging studies like CT scans may be ordered to rule out more severe head injuries, bleeding in the brain, or structural abnormalities. CT scans are particularly useful in identifying acute bleeding or fractures.

When in Need, Visit Victoria ER
For fast, high-quality care, visit Victoria ER. You can rely on us 24/7! Better yet, you never have to worry about waiting or scheduling an appointment.

Don’t risk your health. If you or someone you know may have suffered a concussion, let our skilled and friendly staff offer assistance.

December 29 2022

7 Ways to Boost Your Immune System This Winter

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The cold and flu season is in full swing, but the current global pandemic has made immune system health more important than ever. This year has seen a disheartening rise of three major illnesses that have caused considerable problems for healthcare systems and patients alike. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19 infections have all overwhelmed the nation in recent months. With this so-called “tripledemic,” it is essential to boost immune system health in order to stay healthy and protect yourself from illness.

The question of the hour is, “How do I boost my immune system in the winter?” Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to help your body build up its immune defenses. Here are 7 ways to boost immunity during this winter:

1. Eat a nutrient-dense diet full of fruits and vegetables. Eating a nutrient-dense diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables is one great way to help boost immunity during this winter season. Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are key when supporting immune health. Also, focus on eating an array of foods – having too much of anything can lead to a depleting immune system health. So adding brightly colored fruits and vegetables to your meals can have lasting immune benefits!

2. Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help boost immunity by stimulating the production of immune-boosting white blood cells. Moreover, regular exercise helps to rid the body of bacteria that can lead to illness and inflammation. Additionally, physical activity can stimulate immune-supporting hormones which will help protect against infection and disease. Get out there and get moving – it’s the best way to bolster your immune system!

3. Get plenty of sleep. This winter, one of the most important things you can do to boost your immune system is to make sure you are getting plenty of quality sleep. Sleep helps your immune system work more efficiently and keeps your body’s natural processes in balance, so you will be better equipped to fight off viruses and other illnesses. Scheduling out adequate quantities of rest each night is key to ensuring that your immune system has the strength it needs to protect against illness during the cold months.

4. Manage stress levels. Stress is known to weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable to illness, so by reducing and managing your stress levels, we can help keep your immune system in top condition. There are many different methods for managing stress such as yoga, exercise, journaling or even simply taking time each day to relax and practice mindfulness. Focusing on improving your capacity to handle stress can be a great way of helping yourself stay healthy this winter season.

5. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. With colder temperatures and the prospect of the tripledemic, it is more important than ever to take steps to boost your immune system. An easy yet effective way to prevent sickness from spreading is to ensure that we thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Proper handwashing can help remove germs and bacteria, thus protecting you from illness caused by them.

6. Boost immune system health with immune-boosting supplements. To make sure that you can fight off any unwanted viruses, it’s important to supplement your immune system with immune-boosting supplements. These supplements are easy to take in either pill or liquid form and contain immune-supporting vitamins and minerals that are essential for immune health. Not only do these supplements reduce the risk of getting sick, but they also give you the energy you need to keep up with your daily routine.

7. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. An effective way to boost your immune system is to refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking can impair immune responses by weakening immune cell functions, as well as hinder the immune system’s ability to transport immune cells throughout the body. Alcohol slows down the immune system’s response to potential threats which in turn leaves you more vulnerable to disease.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your immune system is in peak condition to fight off infection and stay healthy during this challenging time.

If you or your loved one are experiencing any symptoms of the tripledemic, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. At Victoria ER, we understand how important it is to stay healthy and safe in today’s environment. That’s why our facility offers an on-site laboratory for complete testing of COVID-19, FLU and RSV so that you can confidently look after your health!

November 28 2022

What to Do if Someone is Having a Diabetic Emergency

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Anyone with a diabetic in their lives knows it’s essential to be on high alert as a symptom can become a medical emergency in no time. The Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) counts diabetes and complications from the disease as the seventh highest cause of death in the United States.

While that number is terrifying, it’s important to remember the steps you can take to help someone get their symptoms under control and to know when to call an ambulance. It’s also a good idea to do regular checks with any diabetic kids to make sure their pumps work and that they have glucose tablets ready to grab should anything go wrong.

When things do go bad, there’s a clear set of steps you can follow to get the situation under control.

A diabetic emergency: What it looks like and what to do

Common diabetic emergencies include hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, hyperglycemia or high blood sugar, and Diabetic Ketoacidosis or DKA. Other problems can also arise from diabetes, but this article will focus on these key issues as they’re incredibly common.

Here’s a quick breakdown of each.

Hypoglycemia – What to look for

Weakness
Shakiness or nervousness
Irritability
Confusion and dizziness
Nausea
Sweating and chills with pale, clammy skin
Tingling in and around the mouth
Headache
Seizure
Coma

If you see any combination of those symptoms you can help.

What to do

Give the person 15mg of carbohydrates – a glucose tablet, some fruit juice, a sweet, or a little bit of sugar
Wait 15 minutes before testing blood levels again
If blood sugar levels read below 70 mg/dl, try another 15mg of carbohydrates and another rest period before doing a second test
Once blood sugar levels test above 70 mg/dl, it’s important the diabetic person eat a meal
If the symptoms persist, call an ambulance

If the person is conscious but too weak to eat a meal, someone needs to stay with him or her. Place a small amount of sugar or honey in the diabetic’s cheek and have a phone nearby should you need it. If the patient faints call 911 immediately.

Hyperglycemia – what to look for

A case of high blood sugar can normally be managed at home, but extreme swings in blood sugar levels require a visit to the doctor.

Here’s how to know if you or someone in your family has hyperglycemia:

Headaches
Blurred vision
Extreme thirst
Constant need to urinate
Fatigue

What to do

For a mild case, some basic lifestyle changes can help keep hyperglycemia in check. Smaller portions at mealtime, a more vigorous exercise routine, and a checkup with the doctor to adjust insulin levels can all help the patient feel better.

However, if the symptoms get worse or start to include dry mouth, difficulty breathing, or the person’s breath has a fruity smell, he or she needs an ambulance right away.

DKA – what to look for

Caused by a lack of insulin in the body, DKA makes the body switch from glucose to fat as a source of fuel. That creates a threatening level of ketones and turns the blood acidic. It’s a serious problem and one you need to know how to recognize quickly.

Here are the signs:

Dry mouth
Extreme thirst
Fatigue
Constant need to urinate
Dry or red skin
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Confusion
Shortness of breath
Breath smells fruity

Anyone with a combination of these symptoms needs an ambulance right away. You can keep a ketone testing kit nearby to check levels regularly so that you can be proactive. If you see that the blood tests positive for ketones and blood sugar levels are at or above 240 m/dl get them to a doctor immediately.

Come see us at Victoria ER

The staff at Victoria ER helps diabetics manage their condition 24/7, no matter what. If you ever feel you or someone you love may be in danger, come see us for treatment. In the meantime, make sure that plenty of testing materials are available at your house and that you have supplies like glucose tablets or juice nearby to help diabetics in your house stay safe.

November 14 2022

Food Safety Tips for the Holidays

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the holidays! It’s safe to say that no one wants to spend the holidays sick. While some illnesses are simply out of our control, there are many others that we can avoid, including food poisoning. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, C. perfringens is a strain of bacteria associated with cooked foods left out at room temperature and is to blame for nearly a million cases of foodborne illnesses in the United States each year. Outbreaks are commonly seen in November and December, right around the holidays. As such, at Victoria ER, we’ve put together a list of safety tips for you to consider to help prevent food poisoning and illness this holiday season. First and foremost, make sure to consistently wash your hands (whether you’re cooking or not). You’ve undoubtedly heard it many times over the past couple of years, but it’s true: Keeping your hands clean is a great way to stay safe and healthy. Additionally, you’ll need to keep all cooking surfaces clean to stop cross-contamination. Further, you’ll want to:

Thaw turkey/ham/all meats in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water, or the microwave
Keep all foods separated before and during cooking (juices can drip onto other foods)
Do not consume raw dough or batter
Cook food thoroughly and use a food thermometer
Use pasteurized eggs instead of raw eggs

If you do happen to experience any sort of issue, illness, or injury, Victoria ER is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week—even on holidays and weekends. We conveniently and effectively offer a comprehensive range of emergency medical treatments, including clinical services, imaging and laboratory, occupational medicine, pediatric care, and more. The entire team at Victoria ER wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday. Remember, we’re here if you need us!

November 3 2022

Understanding SIDS

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SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, refers to the sudden, unexpected, and unexplained death of a healthy baby. The following article isn’t meant to frighten or disturb you, but to supply you with the necessary information needed to help keep your child safe.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, about 3,400 sudden and unexpected infant deaths occur in the United States. SIDS deaths frequently take place in the winter months, and boys are more likely to die from the syndrome than girls.

Unfortunately, there are no symptoms or warning signs. Yet, it is comforting to know that SIDS rates declined considerably from 130.0 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 33.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019.

Because there are no symptoms or warning signs, there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, yet it is possible to keep your baby safer during sleep by following these tips:

Place your baby to sleep on his or her back
Keep the crib as bare as possible, avoiding excess blankets, pillows, and toys
Don’t overheat your baby
Consider having your baby sleep in your room

Additionally, it’s comforting to know that at Victoria ER, our skilled, trained, and board-certified physicians provide the ultimate pediatric care for you and your family. We’re available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing the care you need and deserve.

We offer a warm, inviting environment for your child, including a special exam room decorated with calm, peaceful colors to further ensure your little one feels happy and secure during his or her visit.

After all, when your child feels sick or gets injured, you should have a caring, professional team by your side to give you answers and relief—that’s what you’ll find at Victoria ER.

October 26 2022

When is an Allergic Reaction an Emergency?

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Today more than ever, allergies affect our kids’ health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counts over 5.6 million kids as allergic to pollen and more than 4.8 million with food allergies. As parents, it’s up to us to be vigilant and keep our kids safe from anything that might cause a severe allergic reaction. More and more kids travel with an epinephrine auto-injector, or EpiPen, to keep a reaction under control. However, some reactions require much stronger treatments. Your child may need medical intervention if his or her allergy is too intense and triggers a life-threatening case of anaphylaxis, essentially a hypersensitivity reaction. Common Allergens

One of the most common allergens is pollen. Also known as Hay Fever, this looks like a sneezing fit combined with an asthma attack. The floating spores make kids wheeze, itch, or experience some swelling in their mouth and throat, and possibly break out into a rash. The ragweed plant and its relatives, like chamomile, can also trigger intense allergic reactions. Pay attention to any plants that produce high amounts of pollen, have toxic leaves or flowers, or kill surrounding plants, as they tend to trigger reactions in kids sensitive to pollen. Wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts can all trigger reactions after they’re eaten. Anything from an itchy throat to diarrhea and vomiting can be a sign that a child is allergic to a specific food. You’ve likely heard horror stories about people who have allergies to bee stings, (about five percent of the population have a bee

deadly allergy to bee stings), but what about cockroaches? This common pest can cause asthma attacks. Dust mites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and other common bugs can also cause redness, itchiness, and swelling. When to see a doctor Be aware of any symptoms in your child the moment he or she reports feeling ill. Your child may wheeze, feel an itchy mouth or throat, or develop a rash. Normally, you can treat these symptoms with over-the-counter medication. If symptoms don’t die down or appear to get worse after your child takes treatment, it’s time to go to the hospital. Extreme reactions may include:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Difficulty breathing
Extreme swelling in the face or throat

Tell your doctor about anything your child ate or may have touched before the reaction occurred. Also, let your doctor know if you have already tried an EpiPen or other medications. The staff at Victoria ER helps children manage allergic reactions 24/7, no matter what. If you ever feel your child may be in danger, come and see for assistance. In the meantime, have your child tested for any potential allergies and learn more about how to manage them from your pediatrician.

September 28 2022

If Your Baby Swallows a Pill, Do This!

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Being a parent is hard, right? Let’s admit that and get it out of the way now. Regardless of age—infant, toddler, preschooler, teen, young adult—you never stop worrying about your child. That being said, it’s possible that the younger years are the most difficult. When you have a baby on your hands, you want to bubble wrap them, ensuring nothing bad happens.

Unfortunately, accidents still unfold, accidents that include swallowing pills or tablets. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that roughly 60,000 young children under the age of five are taken to the emergency room each year because they swallowed a pill of some kind.

The skilled, professional, and friendly staff at Victoria ER, a 24-Hour Emergency Center, is here to help you when an accident like this takes place.

Of course, to prevent your baby from swallowing something he or she shouldn’t swallow, keep it—whatever “it” is—locked up. For example, always store medications, pills, and tablets out of reach, either in medicine cabinets or on high shelves. Additionally, make sure all of your medication bottles are locked and protected with childproof caps.

That being said, again, accidents can and do occur, so it’s necessary to be prepared.

Please understand that while all types of medications can be dangerous to children, the most toxic ones are:

Heart Medications
Antidepressants
Pain Relievers
Prescriptions Drugs
Over-the-Counter Medications

If you suspect your baby has swallowed a pill or tablet listed above—or, for that matter, any pill or table that wasn’t meant for them—there are warning signs to be aware of, such as:

Nausea
Vomiting
Lethargy
Unusual Sleeping
Abnormal Drooling
Seizure

If your baby starts to demonstrate any of these signs, especially if he or she goes into a seizure, take action right away—without hesitation. Remember, safety comes first! As such, either drive your child to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. If you can, bring the medication your baby swallowed to the hospital, as this will allow the doctors to better assess the situation and establish an accurate treatment plan for your child.

Even if your baby doesn’t show signs of sickness, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you know he or she swallowed a pill, consider calling poison control, your family doctor, or get to the local ER. We’ll say it again because it matters: safety comes first! Don’t risk your child’s health.

Though it’s easier said than done, don’t panic. Further, don’t blame yourself. Once the accident has taken place, the only course of action to take is to move forward—and our team will help you do that.

You and your family can rely on our top-notch pediatric care. Our physicians are board-certified and trained to treat special pediatric ER cases. Better yet, we’re prepared to make your child’s visit quick and comfortable. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year—including holidays.

Yes, being a parent is hard, particularly when your child is sick—but with Victoria ER by your side, you don’t have to face the challenge alone.

September 27 2022

The Best Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Services for You

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You may not know this, but at Victoria ER, our 24-Hour Emergency Center offers state-of-the-art imaging and lab capabilities. Specifically, our services include—but are not limited to—X-Rays, CT Scans, and bedside Ultrasounds, all available to give you the fast results you want, need, and deserve. In this article, we detail components of our imaging and laboratory services, with a focus on X-Rays, CT Scans, and bedside Ultrasounds, to show that our team of experienced physicians provides nothing but quality and precise medical care. X-Ray

For X-Rays, we currently use the Del Medical brand and SHF-535 model. X-Rays are beneficial to examine most areas of the body, particularly bones and joints. However, an X-Ray can also detect issues affecting soft tissue. X-Rays allow our medical team to view what is happening inside your body without making an incision. Then, we can effectively diagnose, monitor, and treat the medical condition we discover. Of course, different types of X-Rays are necessary for different purposes. There are myriad reasons why you could require an X-Ray, such as:

Checking for a broken bone
Looking for foreign objects in the body
Routine screenings for cancer and/or other diseases
Identifying the cause of symptoms—i.e. pain or swelling

X-Rays are commonly used to examine bones, teeth, as well as the chest, and abdomen. CT Scan

For CT Scans, we currently use the 16 Slice brand and 2269165-3 model. Specifically, a CT Scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses both X-Rays and computer technology to produce images of the inside of the body. A low dose of radiation is present in CT Scans, but no long-term damage has been known to occur. In fact, the numerous benefits of a CT Scan greatly outweigh any potential risk. This tool can show us detailed images of any part of the body, such as the following:

Bones
Muscles
Fat
Organs
Blood Vessels

CT Scans are more detailed than X-Rays and can detect a wide range of ailments, including certain types of cancer, fractures, heart disease, blood clots, bowel disorders, and more. A CT Scan generally lasts about 10 to 15 minutes—from start to finish. Bedside Ultrasound

Doctor doing Ultrasound on women's stomach

For bedside Ultrasounds, we currently use the Mindray brand and UMT-300 model. This is a very particular type of Ultrasound Scan that we perform to answer questions in real time about your body. Ultrasounds are accurate, non-invasive, and require no radiation. They use sound waves to produce images of structures within the body. These images can—and do—provide the information needed to diagnose and treat various diseases and medical conditions. Better yet, bedside Ultrasounds can work faster than a CT Scan. Bedside Ultrasounds are often used to:

Monitor babies, measuring the size of the fetus to estimate the due date
Detect cancer in the breasts and testicles
Scope out muscle, joint, and abdominal pain

An Ultrasound exam takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes to complete. The doctor will receive a written report of the images within approximately 30 minutes or so. Regardless of the type of care you require, you can always depend on the skilled and professional team at Victoria ER. Our imaging and laboratory services are top-notch—you have nothing to lose when you choose to work with us. We guarantee you’re in good hands.

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May 13 2022

Tips for Skin Care

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Are you currently—and properly—taking care of your skin? That’s kind of a broad question, right? One that can produce a variety of answers. Simply put, your skin is important, and at Victoria ER, we want to help ensure you’re treating it as such.

There are many different skin types, including sensitive skin, dry skin, and oily skin. It’s necessary to know and understand your specific skin type in order to give it the care it needs and deserves. In general, though, there are universal tips to protect all skin types, such as:

Avoid tanning beds
Wear sunscreen daily
Don’t touch your face
Regularly check your skin
Find (and use) products appropriate for your skin type

While these are beneficial tips to pursue regularly, what should you do if you’re already experiencing an issue with your skin? Below, we’ve put together healing tips for common skincare problems.

Sunburns
A sunburn can be irritating and uncomfortable, even dangerous. To relieve the burn, you can try applying aloe or over-the-counter moisturizer to your skin. Additionally, take a cool bath or shower and/or apply cool compresses to the burn areas. Soaking in a bath with oatmeal, baking soda, cornstarch, or cider vinegar can assist with inflammation and itching. You’ll also want to rehydrate with water or juice. Consider taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain. If the burn has blisters or the skin feels numb, you’ll want to see a doctor.

Eczema
Are you suffering from eczema? It’s important not to scratch. Find a product that works well for your skin type, and then moisturize at least twice a day. You can also apply an anti-itch cream to the affected area and/or take an oral allergy or anti-itch medication. Further, you can apply bandages to the affected area, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air inside your home, and even wear non-itchy clothing to reduce irritation. And, one more time, whatever you do, don’t scratch!

Poison Ivy
As with eczema, if you have poison ivy, it’s imperative that you don’t scratch. Most cases of poison ivy will go away within one to three weeks. To help soothe irritation and/or pain, apply any type of calamine lotion or cream that contains menthol. An oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine, can provide relief and help you sleep better. There are other types of antihistamines you can purchase over-the-counter that won’t make you drowsy. Additionally, cold compresses can soothe problematic areas. If the blisters/rash do not fade within a week or so, you may want to think about seeing a doctor.

Flesh-Eating Bacteria
Flesh-eating bacteria is a rare infection of the skin and the tissues below the skin. This type of bacteria can spread quickly and aggressively, entering the body through any of the following:

Surgical wounds
Puncture wounds or other injuries
Burns
Minor cuts
Insect bites
Abrasions

If not treated immediately and accurately, the bacteria can be deadly. Therefore, if you believe you’ve been exposed in any way to flesh-eating bacteria, it’s vital to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Lacerations
Lacerations, another broad term, can refer to myriad types of cuts, scrapes, and bites. Generally, these types of wounds are common and shouldn’t worry you. Yet, it’s still necessary to treat them accordingly. First, stop the bleeding of the laceration by applying firm and direct pressure to it with sterile gauze. Next, you’ll want to clean the area with soap and water, apply antibiotic ointment, and then cover the wound with a bandage. If the laceration is bleeding severely, or you’re not able to stop the bleeding, then you need to see a doctor. If the laceration is deep and looks as if it requires stitches, you’ll also want to see a doctor.

Moles
It generally takes a trained eye to determine if a particular spot on your skin is a mole, and whether or not that mole is troublesome. If you have a mole you’re unsure about, especially if it’s changed size, color, or texture, you should visit a doctor. Only a doctor can easily and safely remove a mole and have it medically tested to understand it better. Once the mole has been properly removed, the skin will heal. If the mole grows back, see your doctor.

Remember, skin is your body’s largest organ. If you don’t take care of your skin, who will? If you do happen to experience any sort of issue, illness, or injury, Victoria ER is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week–even on holidays and weekends. Victoria ER is dedicated to providing our local community with access to fast, quality, and concierge-level emergency care.