Can Telemedicine Treat Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) in Children?

Audience: pediatric

Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in children that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Telemedicine can often help families manage eczema by providing education, reviewing symptoms, and guiding treatment plans remotely. Through video or phone visits, healthcare providers can assess the child’s skin, suggest skincare routines, and recommend medicines like moisturizers or mild creams. However, telemedicine cannot replace in-person exams when the eczema is severe, infected, or not improving with treatment. Parents should watch for warning signs like spreading redness, fever, or intense pain, which need urgent medical care. Preparing for a telemedicine visit by having clear photos and a list of symptoms helps make the appointment effective. After the visit, following the provider’s advice on skin care and medication use is important. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to get expert advice on eczema in children but should be combined with in-person care when needed for best results.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Spreading redness, swelling, or oozing on the skin — seek urgent medical care.
• Fever or child feeling very unwell alongside eczema symptoms — go to emergency or see a doctor in person.
• Severe itching causing sleep loss or behavioral changes — arrange prompt evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing mild to moderate eczema symptoms through video or photos
• Providing education on skin care and trigger avoidance
• Recommending and adjusting common topical treatments
• Monitoring response to treatment over time

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing or treating severe eczema requiring physical examination
• Managing skin infections needing laboratory tests or systemic antibiotics
• Providing emergency care for sudden worsening or complications

What is Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?

Eczema is a skin condition that often starts in childhood. It causes the skin to become dry, red, itchy, and sometimes cracked or scaly. Eczema can appear on the face, arms, legs, or other parts of the body. It is not contagious and often comes and goes over time. Many children with eczema also have allergies or asthma.

How Can Telemedicine Help with Eczema?

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider using video calls or phone. For eczema, telemedicine can help by:

This can save time and reduce the need to travel, especially when eczema is mild or improving.

When is In-Person Care Needed?

Sometimes eczema needs a physical exam or treatments that cannot be given remotely. You should seek in-person care if your child has:

In-person visits allow for skin tests, stronger medications, or other treatments.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from a telemedicine appointment:

This helps the provider understand your child’s condition better.

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully. This may include:

If symptoms worsen or new problems arise, contact your provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Take clear, well-lit photos of affected skin areas from different angles
• Write down when symptoms started and any recent changes
• List all current skin care products and medications used
• Prepare specific questions or concerns to discuss
• Ensure a quiet space with reliable internet or phone connection for the visit

After your tele-visit

• Follow prescribed skin care routines and medication instructions carefully
• Avoid known eczema triggers such as harsh soaps or allergens
• Monitor skin for improvement or any new symptoms
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new issues develop
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits as recommended

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose eczema in my child?

Telemedicine can often help healthcare providers assess eczema by reviewing symptoms and skin appearance through video or photos. However, a definite diagnosis sometimes requires an in-person exam, especially if the condition is unclear or severe.

What treatments for eczema can be managed through telemedicine?

Mild to moderate eczema treatments like moisturizers and mild topical creams can usually be recommended and adjusted via telemedicine. Providers can guide you on how to use these treatments safely at home.

When should I take my child to see a doctor in person for eczema?

Seek in-person care if your child has signs of skin infection (redness, swelling, pus), fever, severe or widespread eczema not improving with treatment, or intense itching affecting sleep or behavior.

How can I prepare my child’s skin for a telemedicine visit?

Take clear photos of the affected areas in good lighting before the visit. Avoid applying new creams or treatments right before the appointment unless advised, so the provider can see the current state of the skin.

Is telemedicine safe for managing eczema in children?

Yes, telemedicine is a safe and convenient way to manage many cases of eczema. It allows you to get expert advice without leaving home. However, it is important to follow up with in-person care if your child’s condition worsens or does not improve.

Sources

1. Atopic Dermatitis — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Atopic Dermatitis: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
4. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

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 urgent concerns, seek immediate medical attention.