What to have ready for the call.
Note when itching or the rash began; where it occurs; whether it is worse at night; bumps, blisters, sores, crusting, pain, drainage, or fever; whether close contacts have similar symptoms; medicines or products already used; relevant health history; and pregnancy, breastfeeding, infant, or child context if relevant.
A callback request gives the clinic a starting point to review the concern. Diagnosis, prescriptions, referrals, laboratory requisitions, documents, payment, and next steps depend on that review; another setting may be recommended.
When an examination, testing, or another setting may be needed.
This guide cannot decide whether it is safe to wait or which care setting is right for an individual concern. Some concerns need an in-person examination, testing, or another setting. If you are unsure where to go, contact an appropriate in-person healthcare professional or care setting for individual guidance. Use prompt in-person care if you are concerned about worsening symptoms.
Know when not to wait.
Seek prompt in-person assessment for increasing pain, warmth, swelling, spreading redness, pus or other drainage, fever, many crusted sores, or another concerning change. Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, or another possible emergency.
Virtual care is not appropriate for every concern. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or may be an emergency, use emergency services or immediate in-person care instead of waiting for a callback.
Common questions about scabies and itchy rash concerns.
Can I start an Alberta online request for a possible scabies concern?
Eligible people can send a clinic-reviewed request for a non-emergency skin concern. The clinician decides whether a virtual conversation, an examination, or another setting may fit. A request does not confirm scabies or promise a callback, appointment, medicine, testing, treatment, or prescription.
What can happen with scabies?
MyHealth Alberta describes scabies as a very itchy skin condition caused by tiny mites. It can involve itching, bumps, blisters, or sores, but an individual rash can have more than one cause. This guide cannot tell you whether a rash is scabies.
Why should I mention close contacts who have similar symptoms?
Scabies can spread through close contact and can affect people who live together or share close contact. Mentioning that context can help a clinician understand the concern, but this guide does not decide who has scabies or what individual care is needed.
Can a photo or description confirm scabies?
No. A photo or description may help show a skin change, but it cannot confirm scabies or rule out another cause. A clinician may decide that an in-person examination or another care setting is needed.
When should I seek prompt in-person care for an itchy rash?
Seek prompt in-person assessment for increasing pain, warmth, swelling, spreading redness, pus or other drainage, fever, many crusted sores, or another concerning change. Call 911 for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, or another possible emergency.
Non-emergency request
Request a doctor call today.
For people physically in Alberta with a valid Alberta Health Care card. For requests submitted during open hours, the clinic reviews the request and contacts you about the next step. AlbertaMD operates daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm Mountain Time. For a possible emergency, call 911 rather than waiting for an online request. If your concern cannot wait, use appropriate in-person care; call 911 for a possible emergency.