What prompts a visit to urgent care in the summer? Use our guide to help your family stay safe & healthy. If you need us, we’re open daily.
School’s out, so that only means one thing… summer in Lenoir. Filled with sunshine, fresh mountain air, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Whether you’re hiking at Tuttle Educational State Forest, touring Fort Defiance, or just enjoying a stroll through your neighborhood, it’s one of the best times of the year to be outside. But with all the warm-weather excitement, we also see a rise in seasonal health concerns. At AFC Lenoir, these are five of the most common reasons folks walk through our doors during the summer months.
Heat Rash and Sunburn
When the heat and humidity are in full swing here in the foothills, heat rash and sunburn become two of the most common complaints we treat. Heat rash typically occurs when sweat gets trapped beneath the skin, causing irritation, redness, and small, itchy bumps/bubbles. Wearing loose, breathable clothing and staying cool can help prevent it. However, if the rash becomes swollen, starts to ooze, or is especially uncomfortable, it’s time to come see us.
Whether you’ve spent a few hours at the pool or simply forgot your sunscreen during a day at the park, the result can be a sunburn that’s red, painful skin, and hot to the touch. Sunburns are not only uncomfortable, but they also increase your risk for skin cancer, including melanoma. Practice sun safety by regularly applying sunscreen, wearing protective hats and sunglasses, and avoiding peak sun hours. Most sunburns heal within a few days, but if your skin starts to blister or you’re in severe pain, medical care at AFC Lenoir can help relieve discomfort and prevent infection.
Food Poisoning and Gastroenteritis
With more cookouts, potlucks, and picnics on the calendar, summer is prime time for foodborne illness. Unfortunately, warm temperatures make it easy for bacteria to grow quickly on food that’s left sitting out too long. All it takes is one bite of spoiled food to bring on vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Always pack coolers for refrigerated food and sanitize cooking utensils and surfaces. In most cases, symptoms go away on their own after a day or two of rest and hydration. But if you’re dealing with persistent or worsening symptoms, check into our urgent care clinic.
Swimmer’s Ear
When the weather gets hot, heading to the pool or taking a day trip to Lake Rhodhiss is a great way to cool off. But if water stays trapped in your ear after swimming, it can lead to an ear infection known as swimmer’s ear. This condition is caused by bacteria that thrive in the moist environment of your ear canal.
If your ears are not dried after water immersion, or you skip the earplugs and swimming cap, early symptoms may include itching or discomfort. However, swimmer’s ear can quickly turn painful and even cause muffled hearing or fluid drainage. It won’t go away on its own and often requires medicated ear drops to treat. If you or your child experience symptoms after swimming, come in for a quick evaluation.
Sports Injuries
There’s no doubt about it; summer is the season for outdoor activities. With more things to do, the chances of getting hurt naturally increase. At AFC Lenoir, we commonly treat sprains, strains, breaks, and fractures.
Be cautious outside, always remember to wear protective gear and stretch your muscles before and after physical activity. Even minor injuries can become more serious if ignored. Don’t wait to get it checked out. Our clinic offers digital X-rays, so we can diagnose you on the spot.
Insect Bites and Allergic Reactions
Spending more time outdoors also means more exposure to insect bites and environmental allergens. Mosquitoes, ticks, bees, and even plants like poison ivy can all cause reactions that range from mild irritation to more serious symptoms. Tick bites in particular can lead to fever, fatigue, or other flu-like symptoms that might point to an infection or tick-borne illness.
Insect stings or allergic reactions can sometimes trigger swelling, hives, rashes, or difficulty breathing. When outdoors, prioritize bug repellent, lightweight long sleeves and pants when hiking, and don’t skip tick checks at the end of the night. Some skin reactions will go away within a few days, but if not and symptoms worsen, we can provide treatment so you can get relief and avoid complications.
Staying Healthy in Lenoir
At AFC Lenoir, we understand that your summer schedule doesn’t slow down. So, we’re open seven days a week with extended hours to fit your busy lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with swimmer’s ear, a twisted ankle, or an unexpected rash, we’re here to provide compassionate and convenient care, with no appointment needed.
So go ahead, enjoy all the things you love about summer safely!
