What happens after a telemedicine visit for Impetigo

Audience: adult

After a telemedicine visit for impetigo, you will typically receive advice on how to care for your skin and may be prescribed medication to help clear the infection. Impetigo is a common and contagious skin infection that often causes red sores or blisters, usually around the nose and mouth. The healthcare provider will assess your symptoms through video or photos and recommend treatment, often including antibiotic ointments or oral antibiotics. You will also be given instructions on hygiene to prevent spreading the infection to others. Follow-up care may be suggested if symptoms do not improve or worsen. It is important to watch for signs of complications, such as fever or spreading redness, which require prompt medical attention. Telemedicine can effectively manage many cases of impetigo by providing timely guidance and prescriptions, but some situations may still need in-person evaluation. Always follow your provider's instructions and reach out if you have concerns about your condition.

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 — contact your healthcare provider promptly.
• Signs of infection spreading to other body parts, such as swollen lymph nodes or feeling very unwell — get immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of typical impetigo symptoms via video or photos.
• Prescribing topical or oral antibiotics for uncomplicated impetigo.
• Providing education on skin care and infection prevention.
• Monitoring treatment response through follow-up virtual visits.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe or rapidly spreading skin infections needing urgent in-person care.
• Complications such as cellulitis or systemic infection requiring physical examination.
• Infections near the eyes or other sensitive areas needing specialist evaluation.
• Cases where diagnosis is uncertain and skin samples or lab tests are necessary.

What to Expect Immediately After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, your healthcare provider will usually send you a treatment plan. This may include prescriptions for antibiotic creams or pills to help clear the impetigo infection. You will receive advice on how to apply medications and care for your skin to promote healing and prevent spreading the infection to others. Your provider may also recommend keeping the affected area clean and avoiding touching or scratching the sores.

How to Care for Impetigo at Home

Proper skin care is important to help impetigo heal. Wash the affected area gently with soap and water. Apply prescribed antibiotic ointment as directed, usually two to three times daily. Keep the area covered with a clean bandage if needed to reduce the risk of spreading. Wash your hands often and avoid sharing towels, bedding, or clothing with others until the infection clears.

When to Expect Improvement

With treatment, impetigo often starts to improve within a few days. Sores usually begin to heal and stop spreading. However, it can take one to two weeks for the infection to clear completely. Continue using medications for the full time prescribed, even if symptoms improve sooner, to prevent recurrence or resistance.

Follow-Up and Monitoring

Your healthcare provider may schedule a follow-up telemedicine visit or ask you to report your progress. If your symptoms do not improve within a week or if they worsen, contact your provider. Follow-up helps ensure the infection is clearing and allows adjustment of treatment if needed.

Preventing Spread and Recurrence

Impetigo is contagious. To prevent spreading it to others or getting it again, keep the infected area clean and covered. Avoid close contact with others until the infection is gone. Wash your hands frequently and clean surfaces that may be contaminated. Avoid sharing personal items like towels or clothing.

When In-Person Care May Be Needed

If your impetigo worsens, spreads rapidly, or is accompanied by fever or swollen lymph nodes, you may need to see a healthcare provider in person. Also, if the infection is near the eyes or you have other health conditions that affect healing, in-person evaluation may be recommended.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have good lighting to show the affected skin areas clearly during the visit.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• List any medications you are currently using, including over-the-counter creams.
• Note any allergies or previous reactions to antibiotics.
• Be ready to share photos of the affected area if video quality is poor.
• Have a family member or friend assist if you need help showing the affected skin.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Apply medications to the affected area as directed, usually multiple times daily.
• Keep the infected area clean and covered to prevent spreading.
• Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching the sores.
• Avoid close contact with others until the infection clears.
• Monitor your symptoms and contact your provider if they worsen or do not improve.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine visits or communicate progress as advised.

FAQs

How long does it take for impetigo to heal after treatment?

Impetigo often begins to improve within a few days of starting treatment, but it may take one to two weeks for the infection to clear completely. It's important to finish all prescribed medications even if you feel better sooner.

Can I spread impetigo to others after starting treatment?

Impetigo is contagious, especially before treatment starts. Using antibiotics and keeping the sores covered reduces the risk of spreading. Avoid close contact and sharing personal items until the infection is gone.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your sores spread quickly, if you develop fever, or if you feel very unwell, contact your healthcare provider promptly. These may be signs that you need in-person evaluation and possibly different treatment.

Is it safe to treat impetigo through telemedicine?

Many cases of impetigo can be safely assessed and treated through telemedicine, especially when symptoms are mild and typical. However, some situations require in-person care for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How can I prevent impetigo from coming back?

Good hygiene is key. Wash your hands often, keep your skin clean, avoid sharing personal items, and treat any minor cuts or insect bites promptly to reduce the risk of impetigo recurring.

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: Overview — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.
5. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.