How to prepare for a video visit about Scabies - Triage

Audience: pediatric

Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, leading to itching and rash. It often spreads through close contact with an infected person. Preparing for a video visit about scabies can help your healthcare provider understand your child's symptoms better and suggest the best next steps. During the visit, the provider may ask questions about the rash, itching, and any recent contact with others who have similar symptoms. You might be asked to show the affected skin areas clearly on camera. This guide will help you get ready for your telemedicine visit, explain what telemedicine can and cannot do for scabies, and what signs mean you should seek urgent in-person care. Remember, this information is for education and triage only and does not replace a full medical evaluation.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• High fever with rash — seek emergency care immediately.
• Signs of skin infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus — get urgent medical evaluation.
• Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat — call emergency services without delay.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of rash and itching symptoms.
• Providing advice on home care and prevention.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing skin scraping or laboratory tests.
• Treating severe skin infections or complications.
• Managing emergency symptoms like breathing difficulty or high fever.

What is Scabies?

Scabies is caused by tiny mites that burrow into the top layer of the skin. This causes intense itching and a rash, especially at night. It spreads easily through close skin-to-skin contact with someone who has scabies. Children often get it from family members or close contacts.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet, well-lit place where you can show the rash clearly. Have your child's medical history ready, including when the rash started and if anyone else in the family has similar symptoms. Make sure your device's camera works well and that you have a stable internet connection. Write down any questions you want to ask the healthcare provider.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as when the itching started and if the rash has spread. They may ask to see the rash on camera. They will decide if your child can be treated at home or needs to see a doctor in person. Sometimes, they may recommend tests or treatments based on what they see and hear.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If your child has a high fever, severe skin infection (redness, swelling, warmth, or pus), difficulty breathing, or if the rash spreads quickly or causes blisters, seek emergency care. Also, if your child is very young or has other health problems and the rash is worsening, an in-person visit may be needed.

How Telemedicine Can Help with Scabies

Telemedicine can help by allowing the healthcare provider to assess symptoms quickly, advise on home care, and decide if in-person care is needed. It can reduce the need to travel and help protect others from exposure.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Scabies

Telemedicine cannot always confirm scabies without a physical exam or skin scraping test. It cannot provide immediate treatment for severe infections or complications. Sometimes, a follow-up in-person visit is necessary.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for the video visit.
• Ensure your device camera and microphone work properly.
• Have your child's medical history and symptom timeline ready.
• Be prepared to show the rash clearly on camera.
• Write down any questions or concerns you have.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for treatment.
• Monitor your child's symptoms and rash closely.
• Keep the environment clean to prevent spread to others.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Inform close contacts if scabies is confirmed to prevent spread.

FAQs

Can scabies be treated without seeing a doctor in person?

Many cases of scabies can be initially assessed and managed through telemedicine. The provider may recommend treatments you can use at home. However, if symptoms are severe or do not improve, an in-person visit may be necessary.

How can I prevent scabies from spreading in my family?

Avoid close skin contact with infected individuals until treatment is complete. Wash bedding, clothes, and towels in hot water and dry on high heat. Clean and vacuum living areas thoroughly. Everyone in close contact may need treatment, even if they have no symptoms.

What should I do if the rash gets worse after treatment?

If the rash or itching worsens or new symptoms develop, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Sometimes, symptoms can persist for a few weeks after treatment, but worsening signs may require further evaluation.

Is scabies contagious before symptoms appear?

Yes, scabies can spread before symptoms start, which is why close contacts are often treated even if they do not have symptoms yet.

Sources

1. Scabies — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Scabies - MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Scabies — Mayo Clinic.
4. Scabies — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your child's health, please seek care from a healthcare professional.