A painful cyst, spreading rash, infection, sudden flare, or rapidly changing skin problem should not always mean waiting weeks for an appointment.
We make room for urgent dermatology concerns and work to give you answers and relief as quickly as possible.
Same-day and next-day visits may be available for many non-life-threatening skin problems.
When to seek urgent dermatology care
Some skin problems need prompt evaluation even when they are not life-threatening. Same-day or next-day appointments may be available for selected urgent concerns at our Garden City, Syosset and Bellerose offices.
Common reasons for an urgent appointment
- Rapidly worsening or painful rashes
- Suspected skin infections
- Painful or inflamed cysts and abscesses or boils
- A painful, blistering rash that may be shingles
- Severe poison ivy or contact dermatitis reactions
- Sudden, widespread hives
- Severe acne flares
- New blistering or significant inflammation
- Selected allergic or medication-related skin reactions
- A new skin problem that is worsening quickly and cannot reasonably wait for a routine visit
How to get a same-day or next-day appointment
- Call (516) 246-8800 as early in the day as you can, or request an appointment online. Let our team know the problem is urgent.
- Briefly describe what is going on: when it started, whether it is spreading or painful, and anything you have already tried.
- We will offer the soonest available visit at whichever of our three offices can see you first.
What can be treated at an urgent visit
Many urgent skin problems can be diagnosed and treated in a single visit. Depending on the problem, that may include draining an abscess or boil, treating a painful or inflamed cyst, starting prescription treatment for a rash, infection, shingles or hives, or performing a skin biopsy when a diagnosis needs confirmation.
Urgent skin problems in children
We also evaluate urgent rashes, infections and other skin problems in infants, children and teens. Learn more about our pediatric dermatology care.
Urgent dermatology vs. the emergency department
Borealis Dermatology is not a 24-hour emergency department. Call 911 or seek emergency care for trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling of the tongue or throat, fainting, widespread blistering with significant illness, a rapidly progressive severe infection, severe eye involvement or another potentially life-threatening reaction.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer same-day dermatology appointments?
Yes. Same-day and next-day visits may be available for many urgent, non-life-threatening skin problems. Availability varies by office and day, so calling early gives you the best chance of being seen the same day.
Is a dermatologist open on weekends?
Across our three locations, Borealis Dermatology is open 7 days a week, including weekend hours. Check our locations page for each office’s schedule.
Can I walk in?
Please request an appointment rather than relying on walk-in availability. Same-day and next-day access varies by office and the urgency of the problem.
Should I go to a dermatologist or a general urgent care for a skin problem?
A dermatologist is trained specifically to diagnose and treat skin, hair and nail conditions, which can mean a more accurate diagnosis and the right treatment the first time. For a true emergency, go to the emergency department or call 911.
Same-Day & Urgent Dermatology Appointments on Long Island and Queens
Urgent visits may be available at our Garden City, Syosset and Bellerose, NY offices. Across our three locations, Borealis Dermatology is open 7 days a week. To ask about same-day or next-day availability, call (516) 246-8800 or request an appointment online.