A Rash During the Rush Hour - The Life of a Hotel Doctor

A guest in Long Beach had broken out in red spots.

This looked like a terrific visit; skin problems are usually easy. A sudden rash is frightening but hardly ever indicates something serious. I have no objection to making a diagnosis over the phone, but guests are terrible at describing a rash's appearance. In any case, most want to doctor to look at it.

My only problem was that the call arrived at 5 p.m. on a Friday, and Long Beach is thirty miles away. I avoid long drives during the rush hour, so I told him I could come around 9.

That wouldn't work, he replied. He had a long business engagement that evening. But he'd be happy to see me the following morning.

Saturday morning drives are a snap, but a rash that arrives quickly often departs quickly. I wanted this visit, so I told him I would leave immediately and be there in an hour. Or two.