How to prepare for a video visit about Folliculitis (Mild)

Audience: pediatric

Folliculitis is a common skin condition where hair follicles become inflamed, often causing small red bumps or pimples. In children, mild folliculitis usually appears as small, itchy spots that may look like acne or insect bites. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess these skin changes and guide care without needing to visit a clinic in person. Preparing for your child's video visit includes gathering information about when the bumps started, any symptoms like itching or pain, and any treatments tried so far. During the visit, the provider may ask to see the affected skin clearly, so good lighting and a close-up camera view help. Mild folliculitis often improves with simple skin care and avoiding irritants. However, if the rash spreads, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, urgent in-person care may be needed. This guide will help you prepare for a video visit about mild folliculitis in children and understand what telemedicine can and cannot do.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapidly spreading rash or redness around the bumps — seek urgent care.
• Pus or fluid oozing from the affected skin — needs medical evaluation.
• Fever or your child acting very unwell — get immediate in-person care.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild skin rashes and bumps.
• Review of symptoms and medical history related to folliculitis.
• Guidance on skin care and use of over-the-counter treatments.
• Advice on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or rapidly worsening infections.
• Rashes with pus, swelling, or signs of deep infection.
• Cases requiring physical examination, lab tests, or prescription medications that cannot be prescribed remotely.
• Emergency situations such as fever with rash or systemic illness.

What is Mild Folliculitis?

Mild folliculitis is a skin condition where hair follicles get inflamed, usually due to a mild infection or irritation. It causes small red bumps or pimples around hair follicles. In children, it often appears on the scalp, face, neck, or other parts of the body with hair. The bumps may be itchy or tender but usually do not cause serious problems.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

Before the visit, gather information about your child's skin changes:

Make sure the room has good lighting. Use a camera or phone that can focus closely on the affected area. Have a list of any medicines your child is taking ready to share with the provider.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask questions about your child's symptoms and medical history. They will want to see clear images of the affected skin. You may be asked to adjust the camera or lighting to get a better view. The provider will explain possible causes and suggest ways to care for the skin at home. They may recommend over-the-counter treatments or when to seek in-person care.

Care Tips for Mild Folliculitis

Most mild folliculitis clears up with simple care:

If recommended, use topical creams as directed by your provider.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child develops any of the following, seek in-person medical care promptly:

These signs may mean the infection is worsening and needs more treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when the skin changes started and how they have changed.
• List any symptoms like itching, pain, or fever.
• Prepare a well-lit area for the video call.
• Have a camera or phone ready to show the affected skin clearly.
• List any treatments or medicines your child has used.
• Be ready to describe recent activities that might affect the skin (e.g., swimming, new soaps).

After your tele-visit

• Follow the skin care advice given by the provider.
• Use any recommended treatments as directed.
• Monitor the rash for changes or worsening.
• Avoid scratching or irritating the skin.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flags appear.

FAQs

What causes folliculitis in children?

Folliculitis often happens when hair follicles get irritated or infected, usually by bacteria or fungi. It can be caused by shaving, tight clothing, sweating, or using harsh soaps. Sometimes, minor injuries to the skin let germs enter and cause folliculitis.

Can mild folliculitis be treated at home?

Yes, mild folliculitis often improves with good skin hygiene, gentle cleansing, and avoiding irritants. Over-the-counter creams may help, but it's important to follow your healthcare provider's advice.

Is folliculitis contagious?

Mild folliculitis caused by bacteria can sometimes spread through direct skin contact or sharing personal items like towels. Keeping the affected area clean and not sharing personal items helps prevent spreading.

When should I be worried about my child's skin rash?

If the rash spreads quickly, becomes very red or swollen, leaks pus, or if your child develops a fever or seems very unwell, seek medical care promptly. These signs may mean the infection is more serious.

Can a video visit replace an in-person exam for folliculitis?

A video visit can help assess mild cases and guide care, but it cannot replace a full physical exam when the infection is severe or complicated. Your provider will advise if an in-person visit is needed.

Sources

1. Folliculitis — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Skin Infections — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Folliculitis: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
4. Folliculitis — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.
5. Pediatric Skin Conditions — 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 condition worsens or you have concerns, seek care from a healthcare provider in person.