Can Telemedicine Treat Impetigo?

Audience: adult

Impetigo is a common skin infection that causes red sores, usually around the nose and mouth. It often affects children but can happen at any age. The sores can burst, ooze fluid, and form a yellow-brown crust. Impetigo is usually caused by bacteria and can spread through close contact or touching infected items. Telemedicine can help by allowing you to show a healthcare provider your skin sores through video or photos. A provider can often recognize impetigo and suggest treatments like antibiotic creams or oral medicine. However, some cases need an in-person exam, especially if the infection spreads, worsens, or if you have other health problems. Telemedicine can be a convenient first step to get advice and treatment quickly. Always watch for signs that need urgent care, such as fever or spreading redness. This guide helps you understand how telemedicine fits into managing impetigo safely and effectively.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Fever over 38°C (100.4°F) or chills — seek urgent medical care.
• Rapidly spreading redness, swelling, or pain around the sores — get immediate evaluation.
• Signs of infection spreading to other body parts or swollen lymph nodes — see a healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of skin sores via video or photos.
• Providing guidance on wound care and hygiene.
• Prescribing topical or oral antibiotics for mild to moderate impetigo.
• Monitoring response to treatment with follow-up virtual visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical exams that require touch or palpation.
• Collecting samples for lab tests or cultures.
• Treating severe or rapidly spreading infections needing urgent care.
• Managing complications such as cellulitis or systemic infection.

What Is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria, often Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. It leads to red sores that can break open, ooze, and form a crust. The sores usually appear around the nose, mouth, hands, or other exposed skin areas. It is contagious and spreads through close contact or sharing towels, clothing, or bedding.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine lets you connect with a healthcare provider using video calls or photos. You can show your skin sores, and the provider can often identify impetigo based on how it looks. They may recommend antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics, depending on the infection's size and severity. Telemedicine is convenient and helps you get advice without leaving home.

When You Need In-Person Care

Some situations require a physical exam or urgent treatment. If the sores are very large, spreading quickly, or if you have a fever, swelling, or pain, you should see a healthcare provider in person. Also, if you have other health conditions like diabetes or a weak immune system, in-person care may be safer. Telemedicine cannot perform lab tests or procedures needed in some cases.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, clean the affected skin gently and take clear photos of the sores from different angles. Make sure your device’s camera works well and you have good lighting. Write down when the sores started, any symptoms you have, and any treatments tried. Have a list of your medications and health conditions ready to share.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the treatment plan given by your provider carefully. Use antibiotics as directed and keep the sores clean. Avoid touching or scratching the sores to prevent spreading. Monitor the sores daily and note any changes. If symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Clean the affected skin gently before the visit.
• Take clear photos of the sores from multiple angles.
• Ensure your device camera and internet connection work well.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms and their duration.
• List any medications and health conditions to share with the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Use prescribed antibiotics exactly as directed.
• Keep the infected area clean and covered if advised.
• Avoid touching or scratching the sores to prevent spread.
• Watch for worsening symptoms or new signs of infection.
• Schedule follow-up visits if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

FAQs

Is impetigo contagious?

Yes, impetigo spreads easily through close contact or by touching items like towels or clothing that have the bacteria. Good hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items help prevent spreading.

Can I treat impetigo without antibiotics?

Mild cases sometimes improve with good hygiene alone, but antibiotics usually speed healing and reduce spread. A healthcare provider can advise if antibiotics are needed.

How long does impetigo take to heal?

With proper treatment, impetigo often improves within a few days and clears up in 1 to 2 weeks. Untreated infections may last longer and spread.

Can I go to work or school with impetigo?

Since impetigo is contagious, it's best to stay home until treatment starts and sores begin to heal. Follow your healthcare provider's advice about returning to normal activities.

Sources

1. Impetigo — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Impetigo: Overview — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Impetigo — Mayo Clinic.
4. Impetigo — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your health or symptoms worsen, seek care from a healthcare provider promptly.