Red flags & when to go in person for Impetigo

Audience: pediatric

Impetigo is a common skin infection in children that causes red sores, often around the nose and mouth. It usually heals well with proper care and sometimes requires antibiotics. Telemedicine can help you understand impetigo, check symptoms, and get advice on treatment. However, some signs mean your child needs to be seen in person quickly. These include worsening redness, fever, or if the sores spread rapidly. Early care helps prevent complications and spread to others. This guide explains when to seek in-person care, what telemedicine can and cannot do for impetigo, and how to prepare for your tele-visit. Remember, this information is for education and not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your child's health, seek medical help promptly.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling around the sores — seek in-person care immediately.
• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) or child appears very unwell — go to a healthcare facility.
• Sores not improving or worsening after several days of treatment — get evaluated in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild impetigo symptoms via video or photos.
• Providing guidance on skin care and hygiene.
• Advising when to seek in-person care.
• Prescribing topical antibiotics when appropriate and available.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or rapidly spreading infection requiring urgent care.
• High fever or signs of systemic illness.
• Need for wound cultures or blood tests.
• Intravenous antibiotic treatment or hospitalization.

What is Impetigo?

Impetigo is a skin infection that causes red sores or blisters. It often appears on the face, especially around the nose and mouth, but can be anywhere on the body. The sores may ooze and form a yellow-brown crust. It is common in young children and spreads easily through close contact or touching the sores.

When to Use Telemedicine for Impetigo

Telemedicine can help you show a healthcare provider your child's skin sores through video or photos. Providers can give advice on how to care for the skin, suggest treatments, and tell you when to watch closely. It is useful for mild cases or when you need guidance on home care.

Red Flags: When to Go In Person

Seek in-person care if your child has:

These signs may mean the infection is more serious and needs urgent treatment.

How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the care advice given by your healthcare provider. This may include:

If symptoms worsen or new red flags appear, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Take clear photos of the sores from different angles.
• Note the time when symptoms began and any changes.
• Write down any other symptoms like fever or pain.
• List current medications and allergies.
• Find a well-lit, quiet place for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a device ready with a good internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for skin care and medications.
• Keep the affected area clean and avoid scratching.
• Monitor for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Keep the child home from school or daycare until cleared.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if advised or if symptoms do not improve.

FAQs

Can impetigo go away without treatment?

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

Is impetigo contagious?

Yes, impetigo spreads easily through close contact or touching the sores. Good hygiene and avoiding sharing personal items help prevent spreading.

How long does impetigo take to heal?

With proper treatment, impetigo often improves within 5 to 7 days. Without treatment, it may last longer and spread more.

Can I use home remedies for impetigo?

Keeping the skin clean is important, but home remedies alone are usually not enough. It is best to follow medical advice and use prescribed treatments.

When should I be worried about impetigo?

Seek medical care if the infection spreads quickly, your child has a fever, or if the sores do not improve with treatment.

Sources

1. Impetigo — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Impetigo: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Impetigo — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Impetigo: Overview — 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 child's health or if symptoms worsen, seek prompt medical attention.