How to prepare for a video visit about Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Audience: pediatric

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition in children that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin. Preparing well for a video visit with your healthcare provider can help make the appointment more helpful. Before the visit, gather information about your child's symptoms, such as when the rash started, what makes it better or worse, and any treatments tried. Have good lighting and a quiet space ready so you can clearly show the affected skin areas. During the visit, your provider may ask questions and request to see the rash closely through the camera. They can offer advice on managing eczema, recommend treatments, and discuss ways to reduce flare-ups. Remember, telemedicine can help with many aspects of eczema care but may not replace in-person visits for severe or complicated cases. Always seek urgent care if your child has signs of infection or severe symptoms.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling around eczema patches — seek urgent medical care.
• Yellow or green pus, crusting, or oozing indicating possible skin infection — contact healthcare immediately.
• High fever or lethargy accompanying skin symptoms — go to emergency services.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing and discussing eczema symptoms and history.
• Visual assessment of skin rash through video.
• Providing guidance on skin care and treatment options.
• Monitoring mild to moderate eczema flare-ups.
• Answering questions about eczema management and prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical procedures or skin biopsies.
• Diagnosing severe infections or complications requiring lab tests.
• Managing emergency situations such as high fever or severe skin infections.
• Prescribing controlled medications requiring in-person evaluation.
• Providing immediate care for rapidly worsening symptoms.

What is Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?

Eczema is a skin condition that often starts in childhood. It causes dry, red, and itchy patches on the skin. These patches can appear anywhere but are common on the face, arms, and legs. Eczema is not contagious and often comes and goes over time. It may be linked to allergies or asthma in some children.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, try to:

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms and may ask you to show the affected skin areas on camera. They will look for signs of eczema and may suggest treatments such as moisturizers, medications, or lifestyle changes. They will also give advice on how to avoid triggers that may worsen eczema.

Managing Eczema at Home

Common ways to help eczema include:

When to Seek In-Person Care

Sometimes eczema can get worse or become infected. Signs that need prompt medical attention include:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Have your child's skin exposed and ready to show on camera.
• Prepare a list of symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• Gather information on treatments or creams already used.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss.
• Have your child's medical and allergy history available.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and advice given by your healthcare provider.
• Use moisturizers and medications as directed.
• Avoid known eczema triggers identified during the visit.
• Monitor your child's skin for any changes or worsening symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up visits as recommended.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or severe symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can eczema be cured?

Eczema is a chronic condition that often improves with treatment but may not be completely cured. Many children outgrow eczema, but some may have flare-ups later in life.

How can I help reduce my child's itching?

Keeping the skin moisturized, avoiding irritants like harsh soaps, and using medications prescribed by your provider can help reduce itching. Keeping nails short also helps prevent skin damage from scratching.

Is eczema contagious?

No, eczema is not contagious. It cannot be spread from one person to another.

What triggers eczema flare-ups?

Common triggers include dry skin, irritants like soaps or fabrics, allergens such as dust or pet dander, heat, sweating, and stress. Identifying and avoiding these can help reduce flare-ups.

When should I seek emergency care for my child's eczema?

Seek emergency care if your child has signs of skin infection like pus, increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or if they develop a high fever or appear very unwell.

Sources

1. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Atopic Dermatitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) — Mayo Clinic.
4. Atopic Dermatitis — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

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, please seek direct medical attention promptly.