How to prepare for a video visit about Contact Dermatitis

Audience: pediatric

Contact dermatitis is a skin reaction that happens when your child's skin touches something irritating or causes an allergy. It often looks like redness, itching, or small bumps. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help understand the problem and suggest ways to care for your child's skin. To get the most out of the visit, you can prepare by gathering information about when the rash started, what might have caused it, and any treatments tried so far. During the video visit, the provider will ask questions and look closely at the rash through the camera. This guide helps families get ready for the visit, know what telemedicine can and cannot do for contact dermatitis, and understand when to seek in-person care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• The rash is spreading quickly or becoming very red and swollen — seek in-person care promptly.
• Your child develops a fever or feels very unwell along with the rash — get immediate medical attention.
• The rash has open sores, pus, or signs of infection — see a healthcare provider in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of rash appearance and history.
• Providing advice on skin care and avoidance of irritants.
• Recommending over-the-counter treatments and when to use them.
• Answering questions about common symptoms and management.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing severe or complicated skin infections.
• Performing skin patch testing or allergy tests.
• Managing emergency reactions or severe allergic responses.
• Prescribing certain medications that require physical examination or monitoring.

What is Contact Dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is a common skin problem in children. It happens when the skin reacts to something it touches, like soaps, plants, or metals. The skin may become red, itchy, swollen, or develop small blisters. Often, the rash appears where the skin touched the irritant or allergen.

How to Prepare for Your Child's Video Visit

Before the visit, have these ready:

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and possible causes. They will ask to see the rash through the camera. They may suggest ways to avoid the cause and recommend treatments like creams or lotions. They will also tell you when to get in-person care if needed.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has signs like spreading redness, fever, severe pain, or if the rash is not improving, you should seek in-person medical care. These signs may mean an infection or other serious problem that needs a physical exam.

How to Care for Contact Dermatitis at Home

You can help your child's skin by:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit room for the video call.
• Have your child’s rash clearly visible for the camera.
• Prepare a list of new products or exposures your child had.
• Note when the rash began and how it has changed.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss.
• Ensure your device is charged and has a good internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s advice on skin care and treatment.
• Avoid known irritants or allergens as recommended.
• Monitor your child’s skin for any changes or worsening.
• Contact your provider if new symptoms develop or if the rash does not improve.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or emergency signs occur.

FAQs

What causes contact dermatitis in children?

Contact dermatitis happens when your child's skin touches something irritating or allergic, like soaps, plants (like poison ivy), metals, or certain fabrics. It is the skin’s reaction to these substances.

Can a doctor diagnose contact dermatitis through a video visit?

Often, a healthcare provider can assess the rash through video by asking questions and seeing the skin. However, some cases may need an in-person exam for a full diagnosis.

How can I help prevent contact dermatitis in my child?

Try to identify and avoid the substances that cause the rash. Use gentle skin products, keep skin moisturized, and protect your child’s skin from known irritants.

What treatments are usually recommended?

Mild cases often improve with avoiding the cause, using soothing creams or moisturizers, and sometimes over-the-counter anti-itch treatments. A provider can guide you on what is safe for your child.

When should I seek emergency care?

If your child has a fever, spreading redness, severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection like pus, you should get urgent medical care.

Sources

1. Contact Dermatitis — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Contact Dermatitis: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Skin Conditions in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics.
4. Contact Dermatitis: Diagnosis and Treatment — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.
5. Contact Dermatitis Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child's symptoms worsen or you have concerns, please seek direct medical attention.