Acute symptoms · Berlin
Rash and hives
Rash and hives is an acute medical condition that RAB Arztbesuche treats with a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
A sudden rash is worrying — especially when it spreads rapidly, itches, burns or appears with fever. Our specialist physicians come to your home or hotel daily from 6 am to midnight, assess the rash in your own surroundings and treat in a targeted way.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Skin rash in Berlin — fast triage instead of waiting
Skin rashes cover a broad range — from harmless urticaria after an insect bite to shingles with lasting pain, from classic childhood rashes to severe drug reactions. Most cases can be reliably classified clinically during the house call. Distribution pattern, time course, accompanying symptoms and history are decisive.
The house call has two clear advantages here. First, the rash can be assessed calmly under good light — not under neon in a crowded ER. Second, you reduce the risk of infecting others if a contagious cause is at play.
Common findings and targeted acute therapy
Shingles (herpes zoster) typically appears as a one-sided dermatomal vesicular rash with burning pain — we start antiviral and analgesic therapy within 72 hours of onset. Urticaria with itchy wheals is treated with antihistamines, in severe cases with an added glucocorticoid. Classic childhood rashes (roseola, hand-foot-mouth, scarlet fever) are recognised by the typical pattern; in scarlet fever the streptococcus rapid test clarifies antibiotic need. With suspected severe drug reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS) we direct straight to a dermatological hospital.
When to follow up with a dermatologist
For unclear, chronically persistent or atypical lesions we recommend dermatological follow-up. We document findings photographically on request, issue a referral and name suitable practices in your district. Acute therapy for itch, pain or infection happens on the house call.
How the house call works
On first contact we clarify onset, distribution, accompanying symptoms (breathing, circulation, fever, pain), allergies and possible triggers (new medications, foods, animal contact). With suspected anaphylaxis we direct you to 112 and support by phone. Otherwise we dispatch the next available specialist.
On site we evaluate the lesions under good light, inspect mucous membranes, palpate lymph nodes and check the general state. Where indicated we administer antihistamines or steroids, issue prescriptions and discuss clear escalation criteria.
Billing and insurance
We bill according to the GOÄ via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle. House call, examination, rapid tests and administered medication are itemised separately. German private health insurance and Beihilfe schemes typically reimburse these positions in full.
We issue an English invoice for international guests and remain reachable by phone for billing questions after the visit.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Shingles, therapy start within 72 hours
A patient in Wilmersdorf notices unilateral blisters with burning pain. We start antiviral therapy within the effective window.
Urticaria from an unknown trigger
A patient in Mitte has itchy wheals all over the body. We give antihistamines, observe and advise on next steps.
Child with suspected scarlet fever
A school-age child in Pankow has a fine-spotted rash and sore throat. Streptococcus rapid test and targeted antibiotic therapy if positive.
Hotel guest with a drug rash
At a hotel in Charlottenburg a guest develops an itchy rash after starting a new medication. We assess, treat and review the medication.
Frequently asked questions
Can the doctor treat shingles right away?
Yes. If the diagnosis is made within 72 hours of the appearance of blisters, we prescribe antivirals and analgesics. Together this shortens the course and reduces the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia.
I have wheals all over my body — is it dangerous?
Urticaria looks dramatic but is usually treatable. It becomes dangerous when shortness of breath, facial swelling or circulatory collapse develop — that is an emergency (112).
Can you photo-document the findings?
Yes, on request. This is useful for dermatology follow-up or your own records.
What if the rash is caused by a new medication?
We discuss with you whether and how the medication should be paused or replaced — coordinating with the prescribing practice if needed.
Book now or call
Get in touch — we will arrange a doctor for your house call regarding Rash and hives.