What are the top reasons for children to visit medical clinics in the summer? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than a quarter of American children visited one of these clinics. Now that the weather is warmer, the sun is shining, and your child is out of school, take a look at why they might need an urgent care provider.

Your Child Has a Sunburn

Your family spent the day at the pool. Even though you applied sunscreen to your child, they still came home with a burn. It's nighttime and your child's regular pediatrician's office is closed. If your child has a severe burn with blisters or has a fever, skip the walk-in clinic and go straight to the ER. But if your child's skin is red, uncomfortable, or you just have concerns, start with a clinic. 

The medical provider can evaluate the sunburn and recommend the next steps to take. If they feel the burn is more serious than you thought, they may send your child to the emergency department. A less serious (but irritating) sunburn may only require a topical treatment. The medical provider can suggest products that are safe and effective for children. They may also ask you to follow up with your child's pediatrician during regular office hours. 

Your Child May Have Allergies

A stuffy or runny nose, watery eyes, and a scratchy throat are possible symptoms of an allergy. Even though your child could have allergies any time of the year, an increase in outdoor activities may expose your child to plants, flowers, trees, and other triggers more often than in the fall, winter, or spring. 

While nasal and respiratory issues are common signs of an allergy, these symptoms could also signal an infection. If your child also has a fever, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, or has no previous known allergies, you may want to start at a walk-in clinic. Your child may need to visit their regular pediatrician or see an allergist to diagnose new allergies. But if the symptoms are signs of Covid or a cold, an urgent care provider can evaluate and diagnose a viral illness.

Your Child Needs a Physical

Walk-in clinics don't only provide sick-child services. If your child's summer camp or seasonal sports program requires a pre-participation physical, they may need to visit an urgent care center—especially if their physical form is due ASAP. 

Unlike the pediatrician's office, many physician clinics won't require an appointment. This means you won't need to wait days or longer for your child's physical.