How to prepare for a video visit about Cellulitis (Mild) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Mild cellulitis is a common skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and tenderness, often affecting children. Preparing for a video visit about mild cellulitis helps caregivers share important details with the healthcare provider to get the best advice. During the video visit, the provider will assess the child's symptoms, look at the affected skin area, and decide if treatment or further care is needed. This guide helps you get ready by gathering information, understanding what telemedicine can and cannot do, and knowing when to seek urgent in-person care. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but not a replacement for emergency or hands-on medical treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling around the infected area — seek emergency care immediately.
• High fever (above 39°C or 102°F) or chills in your child — get urgent medical attention.
• Severe pain, pus formation, or open wounds near the infection — visit a healthcare facility promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild skin redness and swelling.
• Guidance on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care.
• Prescribing antibiotics if appropriate and safe to do so remotely.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or rapidly worsening infections needing physical examination.
• Procedures like drainage of abscesses or wound care.
• Emergency situations with breathing difficulty or systemic symptoms.
• Diagnosing other conditions that mimic cellulitis without in-person evaluation.

What is Mild Cellulitis?

Mild cellulitis is a skin infection that usually causes redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in a small area. It happens when bacteria enter through a cut, scrape, or insect bite. In children, it often appears on the legs, arms, or face. Mild cellulitis can usually be treated with antibiotics and home care but needs medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious problems.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the video visit, gather important information about your child's symptoms:

Make sure you have a good internet connection and a quiet place for the visit. Have a way to show the affected skin clearly on camera, with good lighting.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask questions about your child's symptoms and medical history. They will want to see the affected skin area to check the size, color, and any other signs. They may advise you on how to care for the skin, whether antibiotics are needed, and signs to watch for that require urgent care. Sometimes, the provider may recommend an in-person visit for further evaluation.

When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care

If your child shows any of the following signs, seek emergency care immediately:

These symptoms may mean the infection is more serious and needs urgent treatment.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can help by:

However, it cannot replace physical exams or procedures that require hands-on treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a stable internet connection and a device with a working camera.
• Find a well-lit, quiet place for the video visit.
• Prepare to describe your child's symptoms clearly, including onset and changes.
• Have the affected skin area clean and visible for the provider to see.
• List any current medications and allergies your child has.
• Note any recent injuries, insect bites, or wounds near the affected area.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions about medications and wound care.
• Monitor your child's symptoms closely for any worsening signs.
• Keep the affected area clean and avoid scratching or irritation.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek immediate care if any red flags appear after the visit.

FAQs

Can cellulitis be treated through a video visit?

Yes, mild cellulitis can often be assessed and treated through a video visit. The healthcare provider can evaluate the skin appearance and symptoms, and may prescribe antibiotics if appropriate. However, some cases require in-person evaluation.

What should I do if the redness spreads quickly during or after the visit?

If redness spreads rapidly, or if your child develops a high fever, severe pain, or other worrying symptoms, seek emergency medical care immediately. Rapid spreading can indicate a more serious infection.

How can I help my child feel more comfortable while recovering?

Keep the affected area clean and elevated if possible. Use any prescribed medications as directed. Encourage rest and keep your child hydrated. Avoid tight clothing or anything that may irritate the skin.

Is it safe to use home remedies for cellulitis?

Home remedies alone are not enough to treat cellulitis. It usually requires antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider. You can use cool compresses to ease discomfort, but always follow medical advice.

When should I schedule a follow-up after the video visit?

If your child's symptoms improve, follow-up may not be needed. However, if redness, swelling, or pain worsens or does not improve within a few days, schedule a follow-up visit for further evaluation.

Sources

1. Cellulitis — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Cellulitis and Erysipelas — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Cellulitis — Mayo Clinic.
4. Cellulitis: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child’s symptoms are severe or worsen rapidly, seek emergency medical attention immediately.