How to prepare for a video visit about Scabies - Triage

Audience: adult

Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, leading to itching and rash. If you think you might have scabies, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess your symptoms and guide next steps. During the visit, you will be asked about your symptoms, medical history, and close contacts. You may be asked to show affected skin areas on camera. Preparing for your video visit can make the process smoother and more effective. This guide explains how to get ready, what to expect during the visit, and what to do afterward. Remember, telemedicine can help with initial assessment and advice but cannot replace in-person exams or lab tests if needed. If you notice severe symptoms or signs of infection, seek urgent care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe skin infection signs such as spreading redness, warmth, swelling, or pus — seek urgent medical care.
• High fever or feeling very unwell along with skin symptoms — get immediate evaluation.
• Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of itching and rash symptoms.
• Review of medical history and symptom timeline.
• Visual inspection of skin via video for typical scabies signs.
• Providing advice on treatment options and hygiene measures.
• Guidance on when to seek in-person care.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing skin scrapings or laboratory tests to confirm diagnosis.
• Prescribing certain medications that require in-person evaluation.
• Managing severe infections or complications.
• Emergency care for severe allergic reactions or breathing problems.

What is Scabies?

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow under the skin. This causes intense itching, especially at night, and a rash that often appears between fingers, wrists, elbows, and other body parts. It spreads easily through close skin contact with someone who has scabies.

How Telemedicine Can Help

A video visit allows a healthcare provider to see your skin and hear about your symptoms. They can help decide if scabies is likely and suggest treatment or if you need to see a provider in person. Telemedicine is convenient and can reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

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What Telemedicine Cannot Do

Telemedicine cannot perform skin scrapings or lab tests to confirm scabies. It also cannot provide emergency care if you have severe symptoms or complications. If your symptoms worsen or you develop new concerns, an in-person visit may be necessary.

After Your Video Visit

Follow the treatment plan your provider suggests. This may include medications to apply or take by mouth. Avoid close contact with others until treatment is complete. Clean bedding and clothing as advised. Contact your provider if symptoms do not improve or if you develop new symptoms.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, private area with good lighting for the video call.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone are working properly.
• Wear clothing that allows easy viewing of affected skin areas.
• Have a list of your current medications and allergies ready.
• Be prepared to describe your symptoms clearly, including when they started and any changes.
• Test your internet connection to avoid interruptions during the visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment instructions provided by your healthcare provider carefully.
• Avoid close physical contact with others until treatment is complete and symptoms resolve.
• Wash bedding, clothing, and towels in hot water to prevent spread.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or worsening.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or if new symptoms develop.
• Contact your healthcare provider promptly if you notice signs of infection or severe reactions.

FAQs

What causes scabies and how is it spread?

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin. It spreads mainly through prolonged skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies, such as living in the same household or close physical contact.

Can scabies be treated through a video visit?

A video visit can help your healthcare provider assess your symptoms and recommend treatment. However, some cases may require an in-person exam or tests to confirm the diagnosis.

How long does it take for scabies treatment to work?

Treatment usually kills the mites quickly, but itching and rash may take 2 to 4 weeks to fully resolve. Follow your provider's instructions and complete the full course of treatment.

What should I do if my symptoms get worse after treatment?

If itching or rash worsens, or if you develop signs of infection like redness, swelling, or pus, contact your healthcare provider promptly for further evaluation.

How can I prevent spreading scabies to others?

Avoid close physical contact with others until you have completed treatment. Wash clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water. Inform close contacts so they can also be checked and treated if needed.

Sources

1. Scabies — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Scabies - Patient Information — Mayo Clinic.
3. Scabies — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
4. Scabies — 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 health, especially if you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.