Mindful handwashing. It’s something more and more people are doing since the beginning of the pandemic, but why is it so important and how long should it take? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regular handwashing is one of the best ways to remove germs, prevent illness and stop the spread … Continued

There are so many choices when it comes to sunscreen. Not only are there a sea of competing brands, but there are also many different levels of SPF. SPF stands for sun protection factor and is a measure of how long it would take your skin to burn from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The sun emits … Continued

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1.1 million people seek medical care for burn injuries each year in the United States. Of those, approximately 50,000 require hospitalization. Would you know when to seek medical care for a burn? When you suffer a burn of any kind or severity, you feel pain … Continued

While they may look similar, and have similar causes, a bruise is very different from a hematoma. A bruise, also called a contusion, is a mild to moderate injury that causes the small blood vessels to break and leak under the skin. This leaves the skin discolored and tender to the touch. Bruises typically go … Continued

Who’s ready for summer? Whether you’re a parent, essential worker or both, I’m sure everyone is looking forward to warm weather and less time in front of Zoom calls. The past 12 months have been difficult for most everyone, but now that more than 33 million people (and counting!) have been fully vaccinated for the … Continued

When you have a cold or the flu, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water, tea or the occasional Pedialyte while ill can help you recover more quickly and ease symptoms. Early signs of dehydration include increased thirst, weakness, decreased urination and fatigue. More severe symptoms may include low blood pressure, confusion, lightheadedness, … Continued

No one plans to sprain his or her ankle, but it’s a very common injury that can range from mild to severe. Not surprisingly, it’s also one of the most common sports injuries, with approximately 2 million cases each year. Other common activities that may lead to a sprained ankle include hiking over uneven terrain … Continued

If you have a UTI, or bladder infection, and wait too long to seek medical attention, it could lead to a more serious kidney or lower urinary tract infection. A UTI is an infection in any part of the urinary system, kidneys, bladder, or urethra. While they are more common in women, men may also … Continued

An allergic reaction is an abnormal immune response to a foreign substance. These substances can be anything from food and medications to environments. When your skin comes in contact with these substances, it can cause mild symptoms like skin irritation, hives, watery eyes or sneezing. For some, the allergic reaction can be much more severe. … Continued

When you have an urgent healthcare concern, you need two things: Quality, completely capable medical care  Accessibility (walk-ins, convenient hours, open weekends, etc.) At Emerald Coast Urgent Care, we’re making our excellent care even more convenient for you. Simply by visiting our Home page, you can: See your wait time and your place in the … Continued