How to prepare for a video visit about Impetigo

Audience: adult

Impetigo is a common skin infection that often causes red sores, usually around the nose and mouth. These sores can burst and form a yellowish crust. If you have symptoms of impetigo, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you get advice and treatment options without leaving your home. During the visit, you will discuss your symptoms, show the affected skin areas, and get guidance on how to care for the infection. Preparing for the visit can help make it more effective. This guide explains how to get ready for your video visit, what to expect, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, telemedicine can offer quick advice but is not a replacement for in-person medical care when needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling around the sores — seek urgent in-person care.
• High fever (above 38°C or 100.4°F) accompanying skin infection — contact healthcare immediately.
• Severe pain, swelling, or pus that does not improve with initial treatment — get prompt medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of impetigo symptoms via video.
• Providing advice on skin care and hygiene to prevent spread.
• Recommending treatment options such as topical or oral antibiotics.
• Monitoring mild cases and providing follow-up guidance.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Diagnosing complicated or deep skin infections requiring physical examination.
• Managing severe or rapidly worsening infections needing urgent care.
• Performing laboratory tests or skin cultures.
• Providing wound care that requires hands-on treatment.

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It often appears as red sores or blisters that can break open, ooze fluid, and develop a yellow crust. It usually affects the face, especially around the nose and mouth, but can occur anywhere on the body. Impetigo is contagious and spreads through close contact or by touching infected items.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows you to show your healthcare provider the affected skin and describe your symptoms. They can often diagnose impetigo based on your history and images. The provider may recommend treatments like topical or oral antibiotics and give advice on hygiene to prevent spreading. Telemedicine can save you time and reduce exposure to others if you are contagious.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection. Have a clean cloth or tissue ready to gently show the sores without touching them. Make a list of your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments you have tried. Also, note any allergies or other health conditions. Keep a pen and paper handy to write down instructions or questions.

What to Expect During the Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They will ask you to show the affected skin clearly on camera. Based on this, they may suggest treatments and ways to care for your skin. They may also provide advice on how to prevent spreading impetigo to others.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your symptoms worsen quickly, you develop a fever, or the infection spreads rapidly, you may need to see a healthcare provider in person. Also, if you notice swelling, pain, or signs of a deeper infection, urgent care is important. Telemedicine can guide you but cannot replace emergency or hands-on care when needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with stable internet connection.
• Have a device with a working camera ready for the video call.
• Prepare to show the affected skin clearly without touching sores.
• Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments tried.
• List any allergies, medications, or health conditions you have.
• Prepare questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and medication instructions given by your provider.
• Keep the affected area clean and avoid touching or scratching sores.
• Wash hands frequently to prevent spreading the infection.
• Avoid close contact with others until the infection clears.
• Schedule a follow-up video visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek in-person care if red flags or emergency symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can impetigo go away without treatment?

Impetigo may sometimes clear up on its own, but treatment with antibiotics usually helps it heal faster and reduces the risk of spreading to others.

Is impetigo contagious during treatment?

Yes, impetigo can still be contagious during treatment. It's important to follow hygiene advice, such as handwashing and avoiding close contact, until the sores have fully healed.

Can I use home remedies to treat impetigo?

Home remedies are not recommended as the main treatment. Proper medical treatment with antibiotics is often needed to clear the infection and prevent complications.

How long does it take for impetigo to heal?

With treatment, impetigo often improves within a few days and usually clears up within 1 to 2 weeks. Without treatment, it may last longer and spread more easily.

Can I work or go to school with impetigo?

It's best to avoid close contact with others while impetigo is contagious. Follow your healthcare provider's advice about when it is safe to return to work or school.

Sources

1. Impetigo — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Impetigo - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Impetigo — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Impetigo: Treatment and Prevention — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your health or if your symptoms worsen or do not improve, please seek care from a healthcare provider in person or emergency services as needed.