Red flags & when to go in person for Skin Abscess (Small) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

A small skin abscess is a painful, swollen bump filled with pus that forms under the skin, often caused by a bacterial infection. In children, these can sometimes be managed at home or through telemedicine with guidance on care and monitoring. However, certain signs mean the child needs to see a healthcare provider in person promptly. These include increasing pain, spreading redness, fever, or if the abscess is near sensitive areas like the eyes or genitals. Telemedicine can help assess symptoms, provide advice on wound care, and decide if in-person care is needed. Early attention to red flags helps prevent complications. This guide helps parents and caregivers understand when to seek urgent care for a child's skin abscess and what to expect from telemedicine visits.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling around the abscess — seek urgent medical care.
• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) or chills accompanying the abscess — go to a healthcare facility.
• Abscess near sensitive areas (eyes, genitals, ears) or causing difficulty moving the affected area — see a provider in person immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial symptom assessment through video or phone consultation.
• Providing advice on home care and hygiene.
• Determining if urgent in-person evaluation is needed.
• Prescribing antibiotics if appropriate and safe.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing physical drainage or incision of the abscess.
• Taking cultures or laboratory tests.
• Providing emergency treatment for severe infection or complications.
• Conducting a full physical examination requiring palpation.

What is a Small Skin Abscess?

A small skin abscess is a collection of pus that forms under the skin due to infection. It usually looks like a red, swollen, and painful bump. Children may develop abscesses from cuts, insect bites, or blocked hair follicles.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms often include a tender lump that may grow larger, redness around the area, warmth, and sometimes a small amount of pus draining. Your child may feel discomfort or mild fever.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has any of the following, seek medical care promptly:

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine providers can:

However, telemedicine cannot perform procedures like drainage or physically examine the abscess.

Basic Home Care Tips

You can help your child by:

Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a clear view of the abscess area for video consultation.
• Note the size, color, and any drainage from the abscess.
• Check your child's temperature before the visit.
• Prepare to describe any changes in symptoms or new signs.
• Have a list of any medications your child is currently taking.
• Be ready to answer questions about your child's medical history and allergies.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's instructions carefully.
• Keep the abscess area clean and dry as advised.
• Apply warm compresses if recommended.
• Watch for any worsening symptoms or new red flags.
• Complete the full course of any prescribed medications.
• Schedule a follow-up visit if symptoms do not improve or worsen.

FAQs

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

Small skin abscesses may sometimes be managed at home with warm compresses and good hygiene. However, it's important to monitor for signs of worsening infection and seek medical advice through telemedicine or in person.

When should I not try to pop or squeeze the abscess?

You should never try to pop or squeeze an abscess yourself, as this can spread the infection or cause complications. Let a healthcare provider evaluate and manage it safely.

Can telemedicine doctors prescribe antibiotics for my child's abscess?

Yes, telemedicine providers can prescribe antibiotics if they determine it's appropriate based on your child's symptoms and history. They will also advise if in-person care is needed.

What if my child has a fever with the abscess?

A fever may indicate the infection is spreading. You should seek in-person medical care promptly if your child has a fever above 38°C (100.4°F) along with the abscess.

How can I prevent skin abscesses in my child?

Good hygiene, prompt cleaning of cuts or insect bites, and avoiding sharing personal items can help reduce the risk of skin abscesses.

Sources

1. Skin Abscess — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Skin Abscess: Symptoms and Treatment — 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 purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.