What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Hives (Urticaria)

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for hives (urticaria), you will usually receive advice on managing your symptoms at home. This may include using over-the-counter antihistamines to reduce itching and swelling. Your healthcare provider might suggest avoiding known triggers such as certain foods, medications, or environmental factors. In some cases, they may recommend prescription medications or further testing if your hives are persistent or severe. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to monitor your condition and adjust treatment as needed. It's important to watch for any signs of a serious allergic reaction or worsening symptoms, which require urgent care. Telemedicine offers a convenient way to get expert advice quickly, but it cannot replace in-person exams when needed. Always seek emergency care if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or dizziness.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or speaking — call emergency services immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — seek urgent medical care.
• Dizziness, fainting, or rapid heartbeat following hives — get emergency help right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of hives symptoms.
• Reviewing medical history and symptom patterns.
• Providing advice on symptom management and medication use.
• Scheduling follow-up appointments and monitoring progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical skin examinations requiring touch or biopsy.
• Administering emergency treatments like epinephrine injections.
• Diagnosing conditions that mimic hives without in-person tests.
• Managing severe allergic reactions needing immediate hospital care.

Understanding Your Telemedicine Visit Results

During your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will assess your symptoms and medical history to understand the cause of your hives. They may explain whether your condition appears to be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-lasting) and discuss possible triggers or allergies. You will receive guidance on how to manage your symptoms and when to seek further care.

Managing Hives at Home After Your Visit

Most hives can be managed at home with simple steps such as:

Your provider may also suggest lifestyle changes to reduce flare-ups.

When to Expect Follow-Up Care

If your hives do not improve or if they recur frequently, your provider might recommend follow-up telemedicine visits or in-person appointments. Additional tests, such as allergy testing or blood work, may be needed to identify underlying causes. Follow-up helps ensure your treatment plan is effective and adjusted as necessary.

Recognizing Warning Signs That Need Emergency Care

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

These symptoms may indicate a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) requiring urgent treatment.

How Telemedicine Supports Your Care

Telemedicine allows you to consult with healthcare providers from home, saving time and reducing exposure to illnesses. It is well suited for initial assessments, medication guidance, and follow-up discussions. However, some situations require physical exams or emergency care that telemedicine cannot provide.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• List your current symptoms including when they started and how they have changed.
• Note any known allergies or previous episodes of hives.
• Prepare a list of all medications, supplements, and recent exposures.
• Have a device ready with camera and microphone for video consultation.
• Find a quiet, well-lit space for your telemedicine visit.
• Be ready to describe your symptoms clearly and answer questions about your health history.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the medication and care instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Avoid known triggers identified during your visit.
• Monitor your symptoms daily and note any changes.
• Schedule and attend follow-up appointments as advised.
• Seek emergency care immediately if you develop any red flag symptoms.
• Contact your provider if your hives worsen or do not improve as expected.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose the cause of my hives?

Telemedicine providers can often identify common causes based on your history and symptoms, but sometimes in-person tests like allergy testing or skin exams are needed for a precise diagnosis.

What treatments might I receive after a telemedicine visit for hives?

You may be advised to take antihistamines, avoid triggers, and use soothing measures. In some cases, prescription medications may be recommended. Emergency treatments are not provided via telemedicine.

When should I seek emergency care for hives?

If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, dizziness, or fainting, seek emergency medical care immediately as these may be signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Can I use telemedicine for follow-up care of chronic hives?

Yes, telemedicine is often suitable for follow-up visits to monitor your condition, adjust medications, and discuss ongoing management.

What should I do if my hives worsen after the telemedicine visit?

Contact your healthcare provider promptly for advice. If symptoms worsen rapidly or you develop red flag signs, seek emergency care immediately.

Sources

1. Urticaria (Hives) — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Hives (Urticaria) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Allergic Reactions: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Urticaria and Angioedema — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine can provide guidance but cannot replace in-person evaluation and treatment when needed. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.