What happens after a telemedicine visit for Perioral Dermatitis

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for perioral dermatitis, you will usually receive advice on how to care for your child's skin and may get a treatment plan. This skin condition causes redness, bumps, or irritation around the mouth and sometimes the eyes or nose. The healthcare provider will often suggest stopping skin products that might cause irritation and may recommend gentle skin care routines. Sometimes, medication like topical creams or oral antibiotics are prescribed. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to check how the skin is healing. It's important to watch for any worsening symptoms or new problems and to reach out if these happen. Telemedicine helps you get care safely from home, but some situations may need an in-person visit. Remember, this guide is for education and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child develops fever over 38°C (100.4°F) or feels very unwell — seek urgent medical care.
• Skin becomes very red, swollen, or painful, or pus appears — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Rapid spreading of rash or new symptoms like difficulty breathing or swelling of the face — seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of mild to moderate perioral dermatitis symptoms.
• Providing education on skin care and treatment instructions.
• Prescribing topical or oral medications when appropriate.
• Scheduling and conducting follow-up visits to monitor progress.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe skin infections requiring immediate in-person treatment.
• Uncertain diagnosis needing physical examination or skin tests.
• Emergency symptoms such as breathing difficulty or severe allergic reactions.
• Procedures or treatments that require hands-on care or laboratory tests.

What is Perioral Dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition that causes red bumps, dryness, and irritation around the mouth. It can also appear near the nose or eyes. It often affects children and young adults. The exact cause is not always clear but may include skin irritation from creams, toothpaste, or other products.

What to Expect After Your Telemedicine Visit

After your telemedicine visit, the healthcare provider will usually explain what perioral dermatitis is and how to care for it. They may suggest stopping certain skin products that could be causing irritation. You might receive a prescription for a mild cream or oral medicine if needed. The provider will give instructions on how to use any treatments and what to watch for as the skin heals.

How to Care for Your Child’s Skin at Home

\1

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

If your child’s skin gets worse, or if new symptoms appear, contact your healthcare provider. Signs to watch for include:

These may mean the skin is infected or needs different care.

Follow-Up Care and Monitoring

Your healthcare provider may schedule follow-up telemedicine visits or recommend an in-person exam to check the skin’s progress. It is important to keep these appointments to ensure the treatment is working and to make changes if needed.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a list of all skin products currently used on the child's face.
• Prepare to describe symptoms clearly, including when they started and any changes.
• Ensure good lighting and a quiet space for the telemedicine visit.
• Have a device ready with a camera to show the affected skin areas.
• Write down any questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan exactly as instructed by the healthcare provider.
• Use only recommended skin products and avoid irritants.
• Monitor the skin daily for signs of improvement or worsening.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up telemedicine or in-person visits.
• Contact the healthcare provider if red flags or new symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can perioral dermatitis be cured?

Perioral dermatitis often improves with proper care and treatment. It may take several weeks to clear up. Following your healthcare provider’s instructions helps manage the condition effectively.

Is perioral dermatitis contagious?

No, perioral dermatitis is not contagious. It is usually caused by skin irritation or other non-infectious factors.

Can I use steroid creams on my child's face?

Steroid creams can sometimes worsen perioral dermatitis. They should only be used if prescribed and directed by your healthcare provider.

How long will the treatment last?

Treatment length varies but often lasts several weeks. Your healthcare provider will guide you based on your child's response to treatment.

What if the skin does not improve with treatment?

If there is no improvement or the skin worsens, contact your healthcare provider. They may adjust the treatment or recommend an in-person visit for further evaluation.

Sources

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

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider and seek in-person care when needed, especially for urgent or severe symptoms.