How to Prepare for a Video Visit About Skin Abscess (Small) - Triage

Audience: adult

A small skin abscess is a painful, swollen lump under the skin caused by infection. It often looks red and may have pus inside. Many small abscesses can be managed with home care or a video visit with a healthcare provider. During a video visit, your provider can assess the abscess, guide you on care, and decide if you need medicine or in-person treatment. Preparing well for your video visit helps the provider see the abscess clearly and understand your symptoms. This guide explains how to get ready, what to expect, and when to seek urgent care. Remember, this information is for education and triage only and does not replace in-person medical evaluation if needed.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Fever over 38°C (100.4°F) or chills — seek urgent medical care.
• Rapidly increasing redness, swelling, or pain around the abscess — get prompt evaluation.
• Red streaks spreading from the abscess or swollen lymph nodes — seek emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of small, uncomplicated skin abscesses.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom management.
• Determining if antibiotics are needed.
• Deciding if in-person care is necessary.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing abscess drainage or other procedures.
• Managing large or complicated abscesses.
• Treating abscesses with severe symptoms such as high fever or spreading infection.
• Providing emergency care for rapidly worsening infections.

What is a Small Skin Abscess?

A small skin abscess is a collection of pus that forms under the skin due to infection. It often appears as a red, swollen, and tender bump. Abscesses can occur anywhere on the body and may cause discomfort or pain. The skin around the abscess might be warm to touch. Small abscesses sometimes drain on their own or with simple care, but some need medical attention.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Through a video visit, a healthcare provider can look at your skin abscess and ask about your symptoms. They can advise on home care steps, decide if you need antibiotics, or if you should see a provider in person. Telemedicine can save time and reduce exposure to others. It is helpful for managing small abscesses that do not have severe symptoms.

What Telemedicine Cannot Do for Skin Abscesses

A video visit cannot perform procedures like draining a large abscess or taking samples for testing. If your abscess is large, very painful, spreading, or you have a fever, you may need to visit a healthcare facility. Telemedicine cannot replace emergency care when urgent treatment is required.

Preparing for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit:

After Your Video Visit

Follow the care advice given by your provider. This may include:

If symptoms worsen, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for your video visit.
• Ensure your device camera works and is charged.
• Clean the skin around the abscess gently before the visit.
• Take clear photos of the abscess to share if video quality is poor.
• Write down your symptoms, including pain, fever, and duration.
• List current medications and any allergies.
• Be ready to describe any changes or worsening symptoms.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Apply warm compresses to the abscess area as advised.
• Keep the abscess clean and dry.
• Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed.
• Monitor for any worsening symptoms or new red streaks.
• Schedule follow-up care if recommended by your provider.
• Seek in-person care if red flags develop or symptoms worsen.

FAQs

Can I treat a small skin abscess at home?

Small skin abscesses sometimes improve with warm compresses and good hygiene. However, if the abscess is painful, growing, or accompanied by fever, you should seek medical advice to avoid complications.

What should I expect during a video visit for a skin abscess?

During the video visit, your provider will ask about your symptoms and may ask you to show the abscess on camera. They will assess its size, appearance, and any surrounding redness to guide treatment.

When should I go to the emergency room for a skin abscess?

Go to the emergency room if you have a high fever, rapidly spreading redness or swelling, red streaks from the abscess, severe pain, or if you feel very unwell. These signs may indicate a serious infection.

Will I need antibiotics for a small skin abscess?

Not all small abscesses require antibiotics. Your healthcare provider will decide based on the abscess size, symptoms, and your overall health. Sometimes drainage or home care is enough.

Can telemedicine providers drain my abscess?

No, telemedicine providers cannot perform procedures like drainage. If drainage is needed, they will refer you to an in-person healthcare facility.

Sources

1. Skin Abscess — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Skin Abscesses: Diagnosis and Management — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Skin Abscess — Mayo Clinic.
4. Skin Abscess — 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 serious symptoms or concerns, please seek care from a healthcare professional in person or emergency services immediately.