How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Hives

Audience: adult

Hives, also known as urticaria, are red, itchy welts that can appear on the skin due to allergic reactions or other causes. Preparing well for a telemedicine visit about hives helps you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, possible triggers, and medical history to understand your condition. Telemedicine can be a convenient way to discuss hives, especially if the symptoms are mild or have appeared before. However, some situations require urgent in-person care. This guide explains how to prepare for your telemedicine visit, what signs need immediate attention, and what telemedicine can and cannot handle when it comes to hives. Being ready with information and photos of your skin can improve the quality of your care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath — seek emergency care immediately.
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — call emergency services right away.
• Rapidly spreading rash with severe pain or blistering — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial evaluation of mild hives.
• Review of symptoms and possible triggers.
• Advice on over-the-counter treatments and skin care.
• Determining need for in-person care or emergency services.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe allergic reactions requiring immediate intervention.
• Physical examination or allergy testing.
• Administration of emergency medications like epinephrine.
• Treatment of infections or other serious underlying causes.

What Are Hives?

Hives are raised, red, itchy bumps or welts on the skin. They can appear suddenly and may change shape or location. Hives often result from allergic reactions but can also be caused by infections, stress, or other triggers. They usually go away within hours or days but can sometimes last longer.

When to Use Telemedicine for Hives

Telemedicine is useful if you have mild hives without other serious symptoms. It allows you to show your skin through video or photos and discuss your symptoms with a healthcare provider from home. This is helpful if you want advice on managing hives, identifying triggers, or need a prescription for relief.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, gather information about your hives: when they started, how they look, any new foods, medications, or exposures, and if you have other symptoms like swelling or difficulty breathing. Take clear photos of your hives if possible. Make a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Hives

Telemedicine can help with initial assessment, advice on treatment, and deciding if you need in-person care. However, it cannot perform physical exams, allergy tests, or emergency treatments. If your hives are accompanied by severe symptoms, you will need urgent in-person care.

Signs That Need Immediate In-Person Care

Seek emergency care if you experience:

These could indicate a serious allergic reaction or other urgent condition.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note when your hives first appeared and how they have changed.
• List any new foods, medications, or exposures before hives started.
• Take clear photos of your hives from different angles.
• Write down any other symptoms you have, such as swelling or breathing difficulty.
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns for your healthcare provider.
• Ensure you have a quiet, private space with good lighting for the telemedicine visit.
• Test your device’s camera, microphone, and internet connection before the appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan or advice given by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Avoid known triggers or allergens identified during the visit.
• Use prescribed or recommended medications as directed.
• Seek in-person care if symptoms worsen or red-flag signs develop.
• Schedule a follow-up appointment if recommended by your provider.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my hives?

Telemedicine providers can often identify likely causes based on your history and symptoms, but they cannot perform allergy tests or skin biopsies remotely. Sometimes, in-person evaluation is needed for a definitive diagnosis.

What treatments can I get through telemedicine for hives?

You may receive advice on over-the-counter antihistamines, skin care, and when to use prescription medications. Your provider can also help you understand when to seek emergency care.

Are hives dangerous?

Most hives are not dangerous and go away on their own or with treatment. However, if hives come with difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or rapid worsening, these can be signs of a serious allergic reaction needing emergency care.

How can I help prevent future hives?

Avoid known triggers such as certain foods, medications, or environmental factors. Keeping a symptom diary can help identify patterns. Your healthcare provider can guide you on prevention strategies.

Is it safe to show my hives on camera during a telemedicine visit?

Yes, showing your hives on camera helps your provider assess your condition better. Ensure you are in a private and secure setting to maintain your comfort and privacy.

Sources

1. Hives (Urticaria) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Urticaria and Angioedema — National Library of Medicine.
3. Allergic Reactions: Hives and Anaphylaxis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Hives - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or in-person care. If you experience severe symptoms or emergency signs, seek immediate medical attention.