How to prepare for a video visit about Impetigo

Audience: pediatric

Impetigo is a common skin infection that often affects children. It usually appears as red sores or blisters around the nose, mouth, or other parts of the body. These sores can ooze and form a yellowish crust. If your child has symptoms that might be impetigo, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand the condition and learn how to care for it. During the visit, the provider will ask about the symptoms and may ask to see the affected skin clearly. Preparing for the visit by having good lighting and a quiet space will help. Treatment often includes prescribed creams or oral medicine to clear the infection. It’s important to follow the healthcare provider’s advice and watch for any signs that need urgent care. This guide helps you get ready for a video visit about impetigo and explains what to expect.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F) in your child — seek urgent care.
• Rapid spreading of sores or redness around the infected area — contact healthcare immediately.
• Swelling, pain, or warmth around the sores indicating possible deeper infection — get prompt medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of skin sores and symptoms.
• Providing education about impetigo and its care.
• Prescribing topical or oral antibiotic treatment when appropriate.
• Guidance on hygiene and preventing spread to others.
• Follow-up to check treatment progress if no complications.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Emergency situations such as severe allergic reactions or breathing difficulties.
• Severe infections needing hospital care or intravenous antibiotics.
• Cases where physical examination or lab tests are essential.
• Treatment of complications like cellulitis or abscesses requiring drainage.

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It is common in children and spreads easily through close contact or touching infected items. The infection causes red sores that can break open, ooze fluid, and then form a yellow-brown crust. It usually affects the face, arms, or legs. Impetigo is often mild but should be treated to prevent spreading and complications.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet, well-lit area where you can show the affected skin clearly to the healthcare provider. Have your child's medical history ready, including any allergies or current medications. Write down questions or concerns you have about the symptoms or treatment. Make sure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection to avoid interruptions.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, how long they have lasted, and if there are any other health issues. You will be asked to show the sores clearly on camera. The provider may explain how to care for the skin and may prescribe medicine, such as antibiotic creams or pills. They will also advise on how to prevent spreading the infection to others.

Care and Prevention Tips

Keep the infected area clean and dry. Wash your child's hands often and avoid touching the sores. Use separate towels and bedding for your child until the infection clears. Follow the treatment instructions carefully and complete the full course of medicine. Avoid close contact with others until the sores heal to prevent spreading impetigo.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child develops a high fever, the sores spread quickly, or there is increasing pain or swelling, seek in-person medical care promptly. Also, if your child has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or neck, or if the infection does not improve with treatment, these are signs to get urgent help.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Ensure your device is fully charged and has a stable internet connection.
• Have your child's medical history and current medications ready.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns about your child's symptoms.
• Be ready to show the affected skin areas clearly on camera.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for applying medication.
• Keep the infected area clean and dry as advised.
• Monitor your child's symptoms for improvement or worsening.
• Practice good hand hygiene to prevent spreading the infection.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

FAQs

What causes impetigo in children?

Impetigo is caused by bacteria, usually *Staphylococcus aureus* or *Streptococcus pyogenes*. These bacteria enter the skin through small cuts, insect bites, or other breaks in the skin.

Is impetigo contagious?

Yes, impetigo is highly contagious. It spreads through direct contact with the sores or by touching items like towels, clothes, or toys that have the bacteria on them.

How long does impetigo last?

With proper treatment, impetigo often improves within 7 to 10 days. Without treatment, it may last longer and can spread to other parts of the body or to other people.

Can I treat impetigo at home?

Mild impetigo may sometimes be treated with good hygiene and cleaning the sores. However, most cases require antibiotic creams or oral antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare provider.

When should I call the doctor again?

If your child's symptoms worsen, if new sores appear, if there is fever, or if the infection does not improve after a few days of treatment, contact your healthcare provider.

Sources

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

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine guidance cannot replace an in-person evaluation when needed. If your child has severe symptoms or you are concerned, seek medical attention promptly.