How to prepare for a video visit about Skin Abscess (Small) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

A small skin abscess is a collection of pus that forms under the skin, often caused by infection. In children, these can appear as red, swollen, and painful lumps. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help assess the abscess and decide if treatment is needed. During the visit, the provider may ask about symptoms like fever, pain, and how the lump has changed. They might also want to see clear images or videos of the affected area. Preparing for your telemedicine visit helps ensure the provider has enough information to guide care safely. Remember, while many small abscesses can be managed with home care or simple treatments, some may need in-person care. This guide helps families get ready for a video visit about a small skin abscess in children, focusing on what to expect and how to prepare.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Abscess growing rapidly or becoming very painful — seek urgent medical care.
• Fever over 38°C (100.4°F) in your child with the abscess — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Red streaks spreading from the abscess or swelling of nearby lymph nodes — get immediate medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of small skin abscesses.
• Providing guidance on home care and symptom monitoring.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical drainage or surgical procedures.
• Administering intravenous antibiotics or emergency care.
• Diagnosing complicated infections or abscesses near sensitive areas without in-person exam.

What is a Small Skin Abscess?

A small skin abscess is a painful, swollen bump under the skin filled with pus. It happens when bacteria get into the skin and cause infection. Common signs include redness, warmth, and tenderness around the lump. These abscesses can appear anywhere on the body and may grow over a few days.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet, well-lit place to show the abscess clearly. Have your child's medical history ready, including any allergies or medicines they take. It helps to take photos or a short video of the abscess from different angles to share if the video quality is low. Write down questions or concerns you want to discuss.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's symptoms, such as pain level, fever, or changes in the lump. They will want to see the abscess clearly on camera. They may guide you on how to care for it at home or decide if your child needs to be seen in person for treatment.

Home Care Tips for Small Abscesses

Many small abscesses can be cared for at home by keeping the area clean and applying warm compresses several times a day. Avoid squeezing or trying to drain the abscess yourself, as this can cause the infection to spread. Follow any advice given by your healthcare provider.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If the abscess grows quickly, becomes very painful, or your child develops a fever, it may need medical treatment like drainage or antibiotics. Also seek care if your child has other health problems or if the abscess is near the eyes, genitals, or spine.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for the video visit.
• Have your child's medical history and current medications ready.
• Take clear photos or videos of the abscess from multiple angles.
• Write down any symptoms, changes, or questions to discuss.
• Ensure your device is charged and connected to a stable internet connection.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on home care, such as warm compresses and hygiene.
• Monitor the abscess for changes in size, color, or pain.
• Watch for red flags like fever or spreading redness and seek care if they occur.
• Keep scheduled follow-up appointments if recommended.
• Avoid squeezing or attempting to drain the abscess yourself.

FAQs

Can I treat my child's small abscess at home?

Often, small abscesses can be cared for at home with warm compresses and keeping the area clean. However, do not try to squeeze or drain it yourself. Always follow your healthcare provider's advice.

When should I call a doctor about my child's abscess?

Contact a healthcare provider if the abscess grows quickly, becomes very painful, your child develops a fever, or if you see red streaks spreading from the area. These may be signs of a more serious infection.

What information should I have ready for the video visit?

Be prepared to share your child's symptoms, how long the abscess has been present, any changes you've noticed, and your child's medical history including allergies and medications. Having photos or videos of the abscess can be very helpful.

Is it safe to use antibiotics without seeing a doctor in person?

Antibiotics should only be used when prescribed by a healthcare provider after proper assessment. Telemedicine providers can help determine if antibiotics are needed or if other treatments are better.

Sources

1. Skin Abscess — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Abscess - Patient Care and Health Information — Mayo Clinic.
3. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Skin Abscesses in Children — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only. It is not a substitute for in-person medical care or diagnosis. If your child has severe symptoms or worsening condition, seek immediate medical attention.