How to prepare for a video visit about Drug Rash (Exanthem) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

A drug rash, also called an exanthem, is a skin reaction that can happen after taking certain medicines. These rashes often appear as red spots or bumps and may spread over the body. They are common in children and usually go away once the medicine is stopped. Preparing for a video visit about a drug rash helps you share important details with the healthcare provider. This includes information about any new medicines, when the rash started, and if your child has other symptoms like fever or swelling. During the visit, the provider will assess the rash and decide if urgent care is needed or if home care is enough. Remember, some rashes can be serious and need quick medical attention. This guide helps you get ready for your video visit and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do for drug rashes in children.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or wheezing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — call emergency services right away.
• High fever with rash, or rash that blisters, peels, or spreads rapidly — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate drug rashes.
• Review of rash appearance via video or photos.
• Guidance on symptom management and medicine use.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency treatment of severe allergic reactions.
• Physical examination requiring palpation or skin testing.
• Administration of injections or intravenous medications.
• Management of rapidly worsening or life-threatening symptoms.

What is a Drug Rash (Exanthem)?

A drug rash is a skin reaction caused by a medicine. It usually shows up as red spots, bumps, or patches that may itch or be uncomfortable. These rashes often appear a few days after starting a new medication. In children, drug rashes are common and usually not dangerous, but they need to be checked to make sure they are not part of a more serious reaction.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, gather important information to share with the healthcare provider:

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask questions about the rash and your child's health. They may ask to see the rash clearly through the camera or photos. Based on the information, they will decide if your child can be cared for at home or needs urgent in-person care. They will also give advice on how to manage symptoms and when to seek further help.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Some signs mean the rash could be serious and need immediate attention. Call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if your child has:

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider from home. It can help by:

Limitations of Telemedicine for Drug Rashes

Telemedicine cannot replace a physical exam when the rash is severe or worsening. It cannot:

In these cases, in-person care is essential.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List all current and recently started medicines your child is taking.
• Note the time and date when the rash first appeared.
• Take clear photos of the rash in good lighting.
• Observe and record any other symptoms your child has.
• Have your child's medical history and allergy information available.
• Ensure your device camera and internet connection work well for the video visit.
• Prepare questions or concerns you want to discuss with the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on medicine use and rash care.
• Monitor your child for any new or worsening symptoms.
• Keep the rash area clean and avoid irritants.
• Use prescribed medications or remedies as directed.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if recommended.
• Seek emergency care immediately if red-flag symptoms appear.

FAQs

What causes a drug rash in children?

A drug rash in children is usually caused by an allergic reaction to a medicine. The immune system reacts to the drug or its ingredients, leading to redness, bumps, or itching on the skin.

Can drug rashes be treated at home?

Mild drug rashes often improve after stopping the medicine and can be managed at home with soothing lotions or antihistamines. However, always check with a healthcare provider before stopping any medicine.

When should I stop giving my child a medicine if a rash appears?

Do not stop any medicine without first consulting a healthcare provider. Some medicines need to be stopped immediately if a serious reaction is suspected, but a provider can guide you safely.

Can telemedicine diagnose a drug rash?

Telemedicine can help assess the rash and symptoms and guide care, but it cannot provide a definitive diagnosis without an in-person exam or tests if needed.

What should I do if the rash gets worse after the video visit?

If the rash worsens, spreads quickly, or your child develops new symptoms like difficulty breathing or swelling, seek emergency medical care immediately.

Sources

1. Drug Rash: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Drug Allergy — National Library of Medicine.
3. Allergic Reactions: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Drug Rash: Patient Care and Health Information — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.