What Happens After a Telemedicine Visit for Skin Abscess (Small) - Triage

Audience: pediatric

After a telemedicine visit for a small skin abscess in a child, you will usually receive advice on how to care for the abscess at home. The healthcare provider may recommend warm compresses to help the abscess drain and heal. Sometimes, they may suggest over-the-counter pain relievers to ease discomfort. If needed, they might prescribe antibiotics. It is important to watch the abscess closely for signs of worsening infection or spreading redness. Follow-up care may be advised to ensure the abscess is healing well. If any danger signs appear, such as fever, severe pain, or rapid swelling, seek in-person medical care promptly. Telemedicine can help guide you on initial care and when to get more urgent help, but some situations require hands-on treatment.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Fever above 38°C (100.4°F) or chills — seek urgent medical care.
• Rapidly increasing redness, swelling, or pain around the abscess — get in-person evaluation.
• Red streaks spreading from the abscess toward the body — immediate medical attention needed.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment and advice for small skin abscesses.
• Guidance on home care including warm compresses and pain relief.
• Monitoring symptoms and deciding if follow-up is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing drainage or surgical treatment of abscesses.
• Managing large, deep, or rapidly worsening infections.
• Diagnosing or treating complications needing urgent care.

What to Expect Right After Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will explain how to care for the small skin abscess at home. This often includes instructions on applying warm compresses several times a day to encourage drainage and healing. They may also discuss pain relief options and whether antibiotics are needed. You will be told what signs to watch for that mean the infection might be getting worse.

Home Care Tips for a Small Skin Abscess

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When to Seek In-Person Medical Care

If your child develops any of the following, get medical help right away:

These signs may mean the infection is spreading or needs more urgent treatment.

Follow-Up After the Telemedicine Visit

Your provider may ask you to check back in after a few days to see how the abscess is healing. Sometimes a follow-up telemedicine visit or an in-person exam is needed if the abscess does not improve or gets worse. Keep track of any changes and be ready to share updates with your healthcare provider.

Limitations of Telemedicine for Skin Abscesses

Telemedicine is helpful for initial advice and monitoring small skin abscesses. However, it cannot replace hands-on care needed for larger abscesses or those that require drainage by a healthcare professional. If your child’s abscess needs to be drained or if the infection is severe, an in-person visit is necessary.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have a clear view of the abscess area for the video call.
• List your child's symptoms, including how long the abscess has been present.
• Note any fever or other symptoms like pain or spreading redness.
• Prepare a list of current medications and allergies.
• Have a thermometer ready to check your child's temperature if needed.
• Be ready to describe any previous treatments or home care tried.

After your tele-visit

• Apply warm compresses as instructed, usually 3-4 times daily.
• Keep the abscess area clean and avoid squeezing it.
• Give pain relief medicines as recommended.
• Watch for any worsening signs or new symptoms.
• Attend any scheduled follow-up visits or calls.
• Seek in-person care promptly if red flags appear.

FAQs

Can I drain the abscess at home?

It is not recommended to try draining a skin abscess yourself. Doing so can cause the infection to spread or worsen. Warm compresses can help the abscess drain naturally. If drainage is needed, a healthcare professional should perform it safely.

How long does it take for a small abscess to heal?

Small skin abscesses often start to improve within a few days with proper care. Complete healing may take one to two weeks. If the abscess does not improve or gets worse, contact your healthcare provider.

When should I give antibiotics?

Your healthcare provider will decide if antibiotics are needed based on the size, location, and severity of the abscess. Not all abscesses require antibiotics. Follow the provider’s instructions carefully if antibiotics are prescribed.

Is it safe to use over-the-counter pain relievers for my child?

Yes, over-the-counter medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are generally safe for children to relieve pain or fever. Use the correct dose for your child’s age and weight, and follow the instructions on the package or those given by your provider.

What if the abscess comes back after treatment?

Sometimes abscesses can recur if the infection is not fully cleared. If your child develops another abscess or the same one returns, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and care.

Sources

1. Skin Abscess — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Skin Abscess: Overview — Mayo Clinic.
3. Skin and Soft Tissue Infections — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Abscess Treatment — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

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’s condition worsens or you have concerns, seek direct medical attention promptly.