Red flags & when to go in person for Rosacea in Children

Audience: pediatric

Rosacea is a common skin condition that can cause redness, bumps, and irritation on the face. In children, it may sometimes be harder to recognize, but it typically appears as persistent redness or flushing on the cheeks, nose, or forehead. While many cases can be managed with skin care and avoiding triggers, some signs mean your child should see a healthcare provider in person. These include sudden worsening of symptoms, pain, swelling, or if the skin looks infected. Telemedicine can help with general advice and monitoring mild symptoms, but it cannot replace an in-person exam when serious signs appear. This guide helps families understand when to seek urgent care and how telemedicine fits into managing pediatric rosacea safely and effectively.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapid increase in redness, swelling, or warmth on the face — seek urgent in-person care.
• Painful or tender areas on the skin, especially if accompanied by fever — see a healthcare provider promptly.
• Eye symptoms like pain, redness, or vision changes — require immediate medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing mild or stable rosacea symptoms and triggers.
• Providing general skin care advice and lifestyle recommendations.
• Monitoring symptom changes over time.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluating severe redness, swelling, or signs of infection.
• Diagnosing or treating eye involvement related to rosacea.
• Managing skin ulcers, open sores, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

What is Rosacea in Children?

Rosacea is a skin condition that causes redness and sometimes small bumps or pimples on the face. In children, it is less common but can still happen. It often looks like flushed or irritated skin, especially on the cheeks, nose, or forehead. Rosacea may come and go and can be triggered by things like sun exposure, heat, cold, or certain foods.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Typical signs of rosacea include:

These symptoms often come and go and may improve with gentle skin care and avoiding triggers.

When to Seek In-Person Care

You should take your child to see a healthcare provider in person if you notice:

These signs may require urgent evaluation and treatment.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine is useful for:

However, telemedicine cannot replace physical exams needed to check for infections or complications. If red flags appear, an in-person visit is important.

Tips to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, try to:

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the telemedicine visit.
• Ensure your device camera works and can show the child's face clearly.
• Write down all symptoms, including when they started and any changes.
• List any skin care products or medications currently used.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with the healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on skin care and medications.
• Monitor the child's skin daily for any changes or worsening.
• Schedule an in-person visit if red flags or new symptoms develop.
• Keep track of any triggers that seem to worsen symptoms.
• Contact the healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns after the visit.

FAQs

Can rosacea in children be cured?

Rosacea is a chronic condition that often comes and goes. While there is no cure, symptoms can usually be managed well with proper skin care, avoiding triggers, and sometimes medications prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Is rosacea contagious?

No, rosacea is not contagious. It cannot be spread from one person to another through touch or close contact.

What triggers rosacea flare-ups in children?

Common triggers include sun exposure, extreme temperatures, stress, spicy foods, and certain skin care products. Identifying and avoiding these triggers can help reduce flare-ups.

When should I worry about eye symptoms with rosacea?

If your child has eye redness, pain, dryness, or changes in vision, it is important to seek medical care promptly. Eye involvement can be serious and needs evaluation by a healthcare provider.

Sources

1. Rosacea — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Rosacea: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
3. Rosacea — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Rosacea in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical care. Telemedicine can provide guidance but cannot replace in-person evaluation when serious symptoms or complications occur. Always seek urgent care if your child shows red flags or if you are concerned about their health.