What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Drug Rash (Exanthem) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

A drug rash, also called an exanthem, is a skin reaction that can happen after taking certain medicines. After a telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will guide you on how to care for your child's rash and watch for any changes. Most drug rashes improve once the medicine causing it is stopped. Your provider may suggest treatments to ease itching or discomfort. It’s important to follow their advice and keep an eye on the rash. If the rash worsens or your child develops other symptoms, you may need to seek in-person care quickly. Telemedicine can help with initial advice and follow-up but cannot replace urgent physical exams when serious reactions occur. Always share any new symptoms or concerns with your healthcare provider to keep your child safe.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or wheezing — call emergency services immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — seek urgent medical care.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with rash spreading rapidly or blistering — get emergency evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of mild to moderate drug rash through video or photos.
• Providing advice on symptom management and medication adjustments.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care or emergency services.
• Follow-up consultations to monitor rash progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical examination requiring skin tests or biopsy.
• Emergency treatment for severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis.
• Assessment of rapidly worsening rashes with blistering or skin peeling.
• Administration of injectable medications or intravenous treatments.

Understanding Drug Rash (Exanthem)

A drug rash is a skin reaction caused by a medicine. It often appears as red spots or bumps that may spread across the body. These rashes usually start a few days after beginning the medicine. While they can look uncomfortable, many drug rashes are not dangerous and go away once the medicine is stopped.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider may recommend stopping the suspected medicine if it is safe to do so. They might suggest ways to relieve itching or discomfort, such as using cool compresses or gentle skin lotions. Your provider will advise you on how to watch the rash and when to seek further care. Follow their instructions carefully and keep notes on any changes.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child develops serious symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, high fever, or the rash spreads quickly with blisters or peeling skin, seek emergency care immediately. These signs may indicate a severe allergic reaction or other serious condition that needs urgent treatment.

How Telemedicine Helps and Its Limits

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to assess rashes through video or photos and give advice quickly. It is helpful for initial evaluation and follow-up. However, telemedicine cannot perform physical exams, skin tests, or emergency treatments. If your child's condition worsens or does not improve, an in-person visit may be necessary.

Caring for Your Child at Home

Keep your child's skin clean and dry. Avoid scratching the rash to prevent infection. Use mild soaps and avoid harsh chemicals or fragrances. Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing. Monitor for any new symptoms and keep in touch with your healthcare provider as advised.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a clear, well-lit view of the rash for video or photos.
• List all medicines your child is currently taking, including new ones.
• Note when the rash first appeared and any changes over time.
• Prepare to describe any other symptoms your child has, such as fever or swelling.
• Ensure you have a stable internet connection for the telemedicine visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions about stopping or changing medicines.
• Use recommended treatments to relieve itching or discomfort.
• Monitor the rash daily and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Contact your provider if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits as advised to track recovery.

FAQs

Can a drug rash go away on its own?

Yes, many drug rashes improve once the medicine causing them is stopped. However, it is important to follow your healthcare provider’s advice and monitor the rash closely.

Is it safe to keep giving my child the medicine if they have a rash?

You should not stop any medicine without first consulting your healthcare provider. They will advise if the medicine should be stopped or changed based on the rash and your child's overall health.

When should I call for emergency help?

Seek emergency care if your child has trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, high fever with a rapidly spreading rash, or if the rash has blisters or peeling skin.

Can telemedicine diagnose all types of drug rashes?

Telemedicine can help evaluate many rashes but cannot perform physical exams or tests needed for some diagnoses. If your child’s rash is severe or not improving, an in-person visit may be necessary.

Sources

1. Drug Rash — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Drug Allergies — National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
3. Rashes in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Skin Rash — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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