Is it common for a dermatologist to not be available after hours?

Question

I was being treated for a staph infection above my eyelid and was on my last day of antibiotics (on a thursday) so I called her office and they said she was out until Monday. The infection was still present and I wasn't sure if I needed to continue on antibiotics or what.

The receptionist said she didn't take calls after hours because she was a dermatologist and her patients didn't have emergencies so no one was on call for her either.

Should I find a new doctor?

Consequently, the infection did drain further that night and is improving now. I am going to have her to a 'surgery' on my neck to remove some calcium deposits that are causing irritation. Makes me wonder if I should have the excision done by a plastic surgeon instead, at least they're available if something goes wrong.

Cellulitis is a serious, often skin infection that could require at least an after hours consult. Skin cancer, etc... seems like they would be available.

Answer 1

Antibiotics are still working in the body even after you've completed the medication; has the condition at least improved?

The receptionist is correct, dermatologic conditions are not emergencies that require immediate care. If you are that concerned, go to the Emergency Room or call your Ophthalmologist.


• ADDENDUM •

My son had cellulitis near his eye, and our primary Dr. gave him an antibiotic shot in his @$$, plus a prescription for oral antibiotics; and then referred us to our ophthalmologist for follow-up. I still don't understand why you are seeing a dermatologist for an eye infection.

Even for plastic surgery, the Drs. are on-call for emergencies such as facial injuries that require stitching or reconstruction. After surgery, you should be on antibiotics as a preventative; and again, it is unlikely that you would have a life-or-death emergency following that. The same for skin cancer -- it is an ongoing treatment that takes time.

If you really feel that your condition will result in loss of the eye or your life before Monday, then go to the Emergency Room and have them call your Dermatologist.

Answer 2

dark circles are in many cases led to by potential of tiredness. there's a fairly good new organic product on the marketplace that helps human beings get rid of their blemishes like dark Circles, sunlight Spots, zits, etc etc. One guy replaced into sorting out his wifes product by potential of merely putting on the only eye, after a weeks trip he went lower back to artwork, and all and sundry concept he had a black eye from some combat, fairly it replaced into the attention he wasn't putting the serum on! LOL

Answer 3

I would find a different doctor, one that does have patients with emergencies so she is available at off hours.

Answer 4

I would find a new doctor.

Answer 5

IT'S OUR FATE TO WAIT FOR THESE doctors

Answer 6

yaa u have too