Posts by Floyd Miles

Urgent care centers in New Jersey are a great resource for treating minor injuries and illnesses such as ear pain, skin infections, and even dislocations. Dislocations occur when a bone is forced out of its normal position in the joint—usually due to trauma or strain. Depending on the severity of the dislocation, patients may experience swelling, bruising, inflammation, and intense pain.

If you have experienced a dislocation, your best option is to head to an urgent care center as soon as possible. The medical staff at an urgent care facility can provide fast relief from your symptoms with the use of medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants. Additionally, they can provide effective support for managing your injury with X-rays to assess the severity of the dislocation and manual reduction—a process used to realign bones back into their normal positions without requiring surgical intervention.

Patients who visit an urgent care center for a dislocation can also receive advice on how to prevent similar injuries in the future. This includes recommendations on activities that may cause further damage or aggravate existing conditions and tips on how to properly stretch muscles prior to exercise. In addition, medical staff can provide advice on lifestyle changes that may help improve joint health and reduce stress.

At an urgent care center in New Jersey, patients can expect excellent service from highly qualified physicians who specialize in treating all types of injuries and illnesses quickly and efficiently. Whether you are dealing with ear pain or a severe dislocation, these facilities offer comprehensive treatment options that will ensure you are taken care of immediately and correctly.

So you’re reading the headline of this blog and you might be wondering why we’re talking about skin conditions and booking an appointment for urgent care.

Well, believe it or not, skin conditions can present themselves as medical emergencies that will require urgent skin treatment.

After all, the skin acts as the primary guardian against disease-causing organisms. And when it gets compromised in any way, the skin infections or allergies that can happen may need urgent care in New Jersey or wherever you’re located.

And while skin conditions like rashes or blisters are often looked at as minor things, they may actually be signs of more serious things!

In this article, we’ll be talking about skin infections and allergies, and when you should treat them at urgent care.

What is skin allergy?

A skin allergy is when any part of your skin becomes irritated due to your immune system reacting to  an allergen. Examples of allergens are:

• Food like eggs or cow’s milk
• Animal fur
• Pollen
• Medications like penicillin

Any of these allergens cause what is called an allergic reaction, which can manifest into any of the following:

• Rash
• Itchiness
• Redness of the skin
• Bumps
• Hives
• Swelling

What is a skin infection?

A skin infection, on the other hand, is when germs like bacteria, viruses, or fungi infect your skin. Infections can be due to the following:

• A parasite has invaded your skin
• You have broken skin due to a cut, a fresh tattoo or piercing, or a puncture

Signs of a skin infection can be any of the following:

• Fluid is leaking out of the injured skin
• There is a yellowish crust on the area
• Sores or blisters appear
• There is pain or swelling that gets worse after a few days
• You are suffering from a fever
• Your wound has not healed even after ten days

Why not get treatment at a dermatologist instead?

If you’re looking for allergies treatment or skin infections treatment, why go to a Union City urgent care? Why not go to a dermatologist, who is an expert regarding skin matters? 

Well, if you do have a dermatologist you can call who does telemedicine in Union City or wherever you’re located, then that’s great! After all, dermatologists can give you a faster diagnosis, which means a faster treatment and lower risk of developing serious illnesses.

The problem with a dermatologist consult, though, is getting an appointment may be hard. Since dermatologists normally treat people whose conditions are not life-threatening, their clinics are usually closed during non-office hours. That means the only way you will get treated is to visit an urgent care near you.

Does it matter if it’s a skin allergy or a skin infection?

Essentially, skin allergies and skin infections are different. Does that mean you should bother finding out which one you have? And does having either one affect the decision to go to urgent care?

Well, the answer is no. 

For example, take skin infection and eczema, a condition that makes your skin red and itchy. It’s hard to tell the difference between the two, because people who get eczema also often get skin infections. The only way you’ll find out if it’s mere eczema or an actual skin infection is if you try to treat eczema and eczema doesn’t go away or gets worse.

What matters is that if you have a condition that needs urgent treatment, you should get medical attention right away. 

What skin conditions mean Googling “urgent care clinic near me”?

Here are some skin conditions, whether they are an allergy or an infection, that warrant a visit to urgent care.

Rashes

Rashes are a very common skin condition. Normally, they wouldn’t warrant a visit to the hospital, especially if they disappear when you use over-the-counter treatment.

However, if you get a severe rash, it may mean you have a more serious underlying sickness, especially if it’s accompanied by the following signs:

• You have a high-grade fever.
• The rash is covering 10% or more of your body.
• It is a rapidly developing and spreading rash.
• The rash comes with pain.
• You have purple spots on your hands and feet.
• The rash is transforming into blisters.
• You are having a hard time breathing or you feel a tightness in your throat.
• The rash comes with pain in your joints and/or a severe headache.
• The surrounding area is warm and has swelling, crusting, or a colored discharge.
• The rash manifests in a sensitive part of the body like the mouth, the skin around your eyes, or on your genitals. 

Poison Ivy / Oak / Sumac

These three plants all contain the oil urushiol, which causes that notorious itching, blisters, and redness upon contact. They can also cause that same reaction if their fumes are inhaled.

The symptoms can be treated with a cold compress, calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, and steroids.

However, some people, when exposed to these plants, suddenly have trouble breathing or develop a fast-spreading rash. Avoid trying to treat these conditions at home at all costs or risk your life.

Cuts

Again, cuts aren’t usually a major medical condition. However, they may still warrant a visit to urgent care if they need stitches or if they get infected.

Hives

Hives are the body’s allergic response to stress, chemicals, foods, insect stings, or some medications. Their appearance is red itchy bumps or skin patches. They appear suddenly and also develop rapidly.

Severe hives become swollen, blistered welts. You’ll know hives are severe when they manifest on your face, mouth, and neck and feel very uncomfortable. They’ll also be accompanied by dizziness, wheezing, difficulty in breathing, and swollen eyes and nose.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a rash that appears as red sores on your mouth, nose, hands, or feet. It is very contagious and easily spreads through contact. 

This rash affects children more often than adults and is also very susceptible to infection. That means if you see a child with a rash around the areas mentioned above, it’s time to go to the hospital immediately!

Swimmer’s rash or itch

A swimmer’s rash usually happens after swimming in freshwater lakes or ponds. It occurs because of parasites in the water that burrow under your skin. Don’t worry – they’ll die.

However, they will leave red, very itchy spots on your body. And if these rashes turn to skin abrasions, they may become infected.

Visit Diligent Urgent Care for treatment of your skin infections and allergies.

Diagnosis of the skin condition requires the doctor to look at the affected area and do lab tests. You will be given either an antibiotic, an antiviral, or an antifungal cream.

So to get the correct treatment, visit urgent care in your vicinity. And there’s no need to Google “urgent care near me” if you’re in New Jersey. Diligent Urgent Care is the one you should visit!

Step through our doors and we guarantee you’ll get emergency room skills, but without the long wait or expensive bills. We’ll be more than happy to provide comprehensive emergency care and extensive family medicine to you!

Visit us today and let us help you get your skin back in its healthiest condition possible!

Staying healthy is very important. Wouldn’t you all agree?

That’s the reason why sports are not limited only to the youth. Sports and physical activity have been proven important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Therefore, it is highly recommended that the elderly engage in physical activity as well. Being fit is valuable for all ages, whether young or old. 

After all, engaging in regular physical activity prevents several chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and obesity. Plus, it builds strength and stamina, prevents loss of bone mass, and improves balance. It also helps prevent muscular problems.

Studies also show that sports help improve the feeling of happiness and well-being. Being physically active also addresses some psychological disorders like depression. 

Injuries are inevitable when it comes to sports.

However, try as you might, eventually, you will experience injuries in the course of playing a sport. Sports-related injuries may be attributed to poor training practices, inadequate warm-up or stretching before the actual game, inappropriate footwear or incomplete safety gear for the activity, overtraining, and last but not the least, accidents.

Some muscle soreness after is normal, especially if you play a certain sport regularly. However, lingering pain is not. 

What are the types of injuries that you may experience?

Most injuries fall into two categories: acute and chronic injuries.

Acute Traumatic Sports Injury 

These types of injuries or traumas occur suddenly. For example, a basketball player accidentally runs into the elbow of an opposing player or a teammate. Some examples of these are sprains, fractures, concussions, and lacerations. 

Common symptoms of acute traumatic sports injury are sudden severe pain, swelling, visible dislocation, and the inability to move normally. If the injury is internal, the symptoms may not be obvious. Internal injuries require the use of machines like ultrasound, CT scan, and X-ray to get an accurate diagnosis.

Chronic Sports Injury

These are also known as “overuse injuries.” They are caused by repetitive training. They usually occur after you play a sport over an extended period of time using repetitive moves or motions. 

This is usually experienced by players who are into endurance-type sports like running, cycling, swimming, and tennis. The pain is normally felt during the activity and even when at rest.

Some examples of overuse injuries include stress fractures, tennis elbow, and shin splints.

Is it time to seek Union City urgent care?

Now say, for example, you experience muscle strain. Do you immediately look for urgent care for your muscle strain? Or would it be better to visit the emergency room instead?

Well, here’s something you need to know: a lot of injuries can be treated at home using the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). That means you don’t necessarily have to head over to the hospital at once.

In fact, it might be better to access telemedicine in Union City first. That way, you can get the opinion of your doctor before you start Googling “urgent care clinic near me.”

Now, if the pain persists even after you have rested for a few days, it’s probably a signal that you need to seek medical help. Waiting for the pain to subside for too long may worsen the injury and discomfort.

When should I go to urgent care in New Jersey?

What type of injuries should prompt you to Google “sports urgent care near me”? Here are the following instances:

Your injury causes you to experience intense swelling.

A lot of sports result in swelling of a knee or elbow however, if this is accompanied by bruising, tenderness, or a deformed limb, then it may be a sign that you’ve broken a bone.

You have lingering pain.

If you suffer a sudden trauma, it’s always a good idea to rest your body for a week to give it time to heal. If the pain still persists, it’s best to see a doctor.

You feel numbness or tingling in a body part that has experienced trauma.

If you feel some sort of numbness or tingling sensation in your arms or legs or any other part of your body that was subject to trauma, this can be an indication of possible nerve damage due to a dislocated joint or bone fracture. These conditions put pressure on the nerves which causes the pins and needles sensation to spread to the limbs.

You cannot move or bend a joint.

If you are unable to move a joint like your elbow, wrist, or knee, then the cause is likely an orthopedic injury. This is typically caused by overuse and the most common of which is a tennis elbow. A tennis elbow restricts the movement of your forearm and wrist because of the inflammation of the tendons in the elbow. 

You cannot support your weight on the affected area.

Let’s say you hit your foot while playing. If for example, you try to walk, but the pain just shoots up your foot, your foot does not have the ability to support your weight. You may have dislocated something or even broken your foot.

When should you go to an emergency room?

Remember, an emergency room visit means that the injury is possibly life-threatening. That means you no longer have time to Google “urgent care near me.” You or the person who has been injured has to be treated immediately.

This usually applies to a person who has lost consciousness or seems disoriented and confused. That means that person has likely experienced a concussion. You will know it’s a serious injury if that person is also experiencing nausea, vomiting, and slurred speech.

Also, if a person is noticeably pale and has unsteady breathing or an unsteady pulse, bring that person to the emergency room at once.

Visit Diligent Urgent Care for your sports injuries.

Looking for sports injury urgent care in Union City or nearby areas?

Diligent Urgent Care is here to provide you with exceptional care when you need it the most. We are open 365 days a year and will even extend working hours just to meet your needs. We even bring hospital emergency room skills to patients in need of immediate medical treatment without the long lines and big ER bills.

Look no further than us! Schedule an appointment for urgent care with us by giving us a call or leaving your details on our website. Walk-ins are accepted but it’s best to set an appointment first. 

We are open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 10 pm, and on weekends from 9 am to 7 pm. Our address is 3807 Bergenline Ave Union City, New Jersey 07087. 

A telemedicine visit is also viable as long as you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer with an internet connection. Once your appointment is booked, you will be provided a link to connect at the time of your appointment. Our virtual visit platform is convenient, safe, secure, and user-friendly!

Our team at Diligent Urgent Care will be very happy to provide you with comprehensive emergency and injury care whenever you need it. 

Don’t delay and call us immediately for any of your sports injury-related concerns. We look forward to helping you!

COVID-19 has been known for its notorious effects on both adults and children alike. As a child’s immune system is more fragile, it is vital that they must be protected at all costs. Although they are not spared from being infected, taking the necessary precautions and preparations may be of help in dealing with a mild case of the virus. 

Gone are the days when the flu, cold, and cough are the common illnesses that can be treated with a few days’ rest and generic medicine. With the coronavirus around, these are no longer medical conditions that can be taken lightly. It becomes an extra delicate matter when a child experiences COVID symptoms, and as parents and guardians, it can be heartbreaking to see them struggling with such a condition. 

Undergoing a COVID test is a foreign matter for a child and can bring them certain discomfort that they may need to be prepared for. In this article, we have taken the liberty to gather all the necessary tips that will help adults ease and guide their little ones in understanding the situation prior to undergoing a medical procedure,

Prepare child-friendly information to share with your kids

Kids are naturally curious about the things going around them, especially if they are at that stage where they seem to be exploring and asking a lot of questions. As COVID is a complex topic, it can be a lot to understand and take in for a child. This is why it’s important to explain it to them at their level of understanding. Apart from being informative, try to share information with them in a way that they will not feel overwhelmed and scared. Kids have an overactive imagination after all, so in order for them to understand better, make sure that your explanation is child-friendly. The goal here is for your child to be able to understand and be mentally and emotionally prepared prior to the testing procedure. Make sure that you include vital information such as who will accompany them, who they will meet, what will happen, and how the procedure might feel.

For instance, you might want to say something like, “Okay, dear. So we are going to the doctor today to see if you have COVID. Mommy and Daddy just want to make sure that you don’t have the bad virus so our friendly hospital workers will need to do some tests on you. It might make you feel a little uncomfortable for a while when they put something inside your nose, but nothing to worry about because they are good people who only want to help you feel better. Also, mommy/daddy will be there with you the whole time, so there’s nothing to be scared of.”

You may also want to show your child pictures or videos while explaining so they can understand better, especially since they are visual learners after all. 

Prepare yourself too

As parents or guardians, seeing your child in pain, even for just a short time, can be taxing on your end too. That is why you also have to prepare yourself emotionally and mentally. It’s highly recommended that you come up with a plan that will soothe your child should they start to feel anxious prior to or after the testing procedure. 

Since you will be holding your child during the testing procedure, make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothing too for the sake of your and your child’s comfort.

While waiting for your child’s turn, you can distract them with storytelling time, playtime with their favorite toys, or have their security blanket or pillow by their side. This can effectively divert them from the anxiety and help them feel more relaxed once their turn is up.

Coach and encourage your child all throughout the procedure

For a child, hearing their parents’ and guardians’ voices brings them comfort and reassurance. Counting together with your child and instructing them to take a deep breath will reassure them that they can go through the process with ease. They will feel guided and lessen any anxiety they may be feeling at that moment. As soon as they finish with the test, praise and give them words of encouragement for positive reinforcement. This can give them a positive experience and this will make them feel less anxious should they need to undergo another COVID testing. 

Book your and your child’s COVID testing with Diligent Urgent Care in New Jersey

Here at Diligent Urgent Care will put in the extra tender care that your child needs while undergoing their COVID testing procedure. We aim to make their experience a positive one, while continuously striving to create a healthier and safer community in the midst of a pandemic. Rest assured that you and your child are in good hands under our highly skilled and trained team of healthcare professionals. Our centers, drive-thru, and telemedicine services are open 7 days a week with extended hours to cater to your needs. Feel free to drop by our center in Union City, New Jersey, and surrounding areas at your convenience or by scheduling an appointment with us.