Can Telemedicine Treat Hidradenitis Suppurativa (Mild)?

Audience: pediatric

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition causing painful bumps, usually in areas like under the arms or groin. Mild HS means the bumps are fewer and less severe. Telemedicine can help children and teens with mild HS by allowing doctors to check symptoms, suggest skin care tips, and recommend treatments without visiting the clinic in person. This can be easier and quicker for families. However, telemedicine cannot replace in-person exams if the condition worsens or becomes severe. If signs like spreading redness, fever, or very painful lumps appear, urgent medical care is needed. Telemedicine visits often include discussing symptoms, showing affected skin areas via video, and planning treatments like topical creams or lifestyle changes. Preparing for the visit by noting symptoms and questions helps make the most of the time. After the visit, following the care plan and watching for warning signs is important. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but not a substitute for hands-on medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Increasing redness or swelling around lumps that spreads beyond the original area — seek urgent medical care.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) with skin symptoms — visit a healthcare facility immediately.
• Severe pain or new lumps that grow quickly — arrange for in-person evaluation as soon as possible.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild HS symptoms via video or phone.
• Providing advice on skin care and lifestyle changes.
• Monitoring mild HS over time with follow-up visits.
• Prescribing topical medications or recommending over-the-counter options.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Physical procedures such as draining abscesses or biopsies.
• Management of severe or worsening HS symptoms.
• Treatment of infections requiring intravenous antibiotics.
• Emergency care for systemic symptoms like high fever or spreading infection.

What Is Mild Hidradenitis Suppurativa?

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a skin condition that causes small, painful lumps under the skin. These lumps often appear where skin rubs together, like under the arms or around the groin. Mild HS means there are only a few lumps, and they are not very large or painful. The skin may sometimes be red or swollen around the lumps.

How Can Telemedicine Help?

Telemedicine lets you talk to a healthcare provider through video or phone. For mild HS, doctors can look at the skin through video, ask about symptoms, and suggest treatments like creams or ways to keep the skin clean and dry. This helps families get advice without traveling to a clinic. It can also help track if the condition is getting better or worse over time.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do for HS

Telemedicine cannot perform physical procedures like draining large lumps or taking skin samples. If the lumps become very painful, infected, or if there are signs of fever or spreading redness, an in-person visit is needed. Severe or worsening HS often requires hands-on care and possibly stronger treatments.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, write down when symptoms started and how they have changed. Take clear photos of the affected skin areas to show the doctor if video quality is low. Prepare questions about treatment options and skin care. Make sure you have a quiet place with good lighting for the visit.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the treatment plan your doctor suggests, such as applying creams or making lifestyle changes. Keep track of any changes in your skin or new symptoms. If symptoms worsen or you notice red streaks, fever, or increased pain, seek in-person medical care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when symptoms began and how they have changed.
• Take clear photos of affected skin areas to share during the visit.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.
• Ensure a quiet, well-lit space with good internet or phone connection for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a family member or caregiver available to assist if needed.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan provided by the healthcare provider.
• Apply prescribed topical treatments as directed.
• Maintain good hygiene and skin care routines recommended during the visit.
• Monitor skin changes and note any new or worsening symptoms.
• Seek in-person care immediately if red flags or emergency symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose Hidradenitis Suppurativa in children?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers assess symptoms and look at the skin through video to suggest if HS might be present. However, a definite diagnosis sometimes requires an in-person exam.

What treatments can be recommended through telemedicine for mild HS?

Doctors may suggest topical creams, hygiene tips, and lifestyle changes such as wearing loose clothing and avoiding skin irritation. They can also prescribe medications that can be picked up at a pharmacy.

When should I seek in-person care instead of telemedicine?

If your child has spreading redness, fever, severe pain, or rapidly growing lumps, these are signs of possible infection or worsening HS and need urgent in-person medical evaluation.

Is telemedicine safe for managing mild HS in children?

Yes, telemedicine is a safe and convenient way to get advice and monitor mild HS. It helps reduce travel and exposure risks but should be complemented with in-person care if symptoms worsen.

Sources

1. Hidradenitis Suppurativa — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Hidradenitis Suppurativa — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your child's health or if symptoms worsen, please seek evaluation from a healthcare professional in person immediately.