How to prepare for a video visit about Rosacea

Audience: adult

Rosacea is a common skin condition that often causes redness, visible blood vessels, and sometimes bumps on the face. Preparing well for a video visit about rosacea can help you get the most from your appointment. This guide explains what to expect during a telemedicine visit, how to prepare, and when to seek urgent care. During the video visit, your healthcare provider may ask about your symptoms, triggers, and skincare routine. They often provide advice on managing rosacea, including lifestyle changes and possible treatments. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to discuss your skin concerns, but it cannot replace in-person exams when more detailed evaluation or procedures are needed. Knowing the signs that require urgent medical attention and having a clear plan for your tele-visit can help you feel confident and supported in managing rosacea.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden, severe swelling of the face or eyes — seek emergency care immediately.
• Rapid worsening of redness, pain, or pus-filled bumps — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Development of vision changes, eye pain, or sensitivity to light — urgent evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing mild to moderate rosacea symptoms and triggers.
• Reviewing skincare routines and lifestyle factors.
• Providing guidance on topical and oral treatments.
• Monitoring treatment response and side effects during follow-up visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical skin examinations requiring palpation or biopsy.
• Administering in-office procedures like laser therapy.
• Evaluating severe or rapidly worsening symptoms needing urgent care.
• Diagnosing other skin conditions that mimic rosacea without in-person assessment.

What is Rosacea?

Rosacea is a skin condition that mainly affects the face. It often causes redness, flushing, visible small blood vessels, and sometimes pimples or bumps. Rosacea symptoms can come and go and may be triggered by things like sun exposure, hot drinks, spicy foods, stress, or temperature changes. It usually affects adults and can vary in severity.

How Telemedicine Can Help with Rosacea

A video visit allows you to show your skin to a healthcare provider from home. They can ask about your symptoms, how long you've had them, and what seems to make them better or worse. They may give advice on skincare, lifestyle changes, and treatments like topical creams or oral medications. Telemedicine is helpful for follow-up visits or mild to moderate symptoms.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Rosacea

Some aspects of rosacea care may require an in-person visit. For example, if your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or if there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, a physical exam or skin tests might be needed. Procedures like laser therapy or skin biopsies cannot be done through telemedicine.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

To prepare for your tele-visit:

After Your Video Visit

After your appointment, follow any treatment plans or lifestyle advice given by your provider. Monitor your skin for changes or side effects. If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Schedule follow-up visits as recommended to track your progress.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room for your video visit.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone work properly.
• Have a list of your symptoms, including when they started and possible triggers.
• Prepare a list of current medications and skincare products.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Have a stable internet connection for uninterrupted communication.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and advice provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your skin for any changes or side effects from treatments.
• Avoid known rosacea triggers as advised.
• Schedule follow-up appointments as recommended.
• Seek urgent care if red flags or worsening symptoms occur.

FAQs

What causes rosacea?

The exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood. It may involve genetic factors, immune system changes, and environmental triggers such as sun exposure, hot drinks, spicy foods, and stress.

Can rosacea be cured?

Rosacea is a chronic condition that often requires ongoing management. While it cannot be completely cured, symptoms can often be controlled with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.

Is rosacea contagious?

No, rosacea is not contagious. It cannot be spread through skin contact or other means.

What treatments are commonly used for rosacea?

Treatments may include topical creams, oral antibiotics, and lifestyle changes to avoid triggers. In some cases, procedures like laser therapy are used to reduce redness and visible blood vessels.

When should I see a healthcare provider in person?

If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or if you develop eye symptoms or sudden swelling, you should seek in-person medical care promptly.

Sources

1. Rosacea — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Rosacea: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Rosacea — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Rosacea — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have urgent or severe symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention.