How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Itching (Pruritus)

Audience: adult

Itching, also known as pruritus, is a common symptom that can result from many causes such as dry skin, allergies, infections, or other health conditions. Preparing for a telemedicine visit about itching can help you get the most from your appointment. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any treatments you have tried. Telemedicine can often help with mild to moderate itching by providing advice, recommending treatments, or deciding if further in-person care is needed. However, some cases require an in-person exam or urgent care. Being ready with information and understanding when to seek immediate help can improve your care experience and safety.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Itching accompanied by difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat — seek emergency medical care immediately.
• Presence of high fever, chills, or feeling very unwell along with itching — contact healthcare provider promptly.
• Open sores, bleeding, or signs of skin infection (such as redness, warmth, pus) in the itchy area — arrange for in-person evaluation soon.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate itching without severe symptoms
• Follow-up for chronic skin conditions causing itching
• Advice on skin care and over-the-counter treatments
• Medication management for itching when no urgent signs are present

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe allergic reactions with breathing difficulty or swelling
• Suspected skin infections requiring physical examination
• Itching with systemic symptoms like high fever or severe illness
• Cases needing urgent diagnostic tests or procedures

What to Expect During Your Telemedicine Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about the location, duration, and severity of your itching. They may inquire about any rashes, recent exposures, medications, or other symptoms like fever or swelling. You might be asked to show affected skin areas on camera if possible. Based on this, the provider will suggest treatments or next steps.

How to Prepare for Your Telemedicine Appointment

Before your visit, gather information such as a list of your current medications, any recent changes in products or environment, and notes on your symptoms. Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection. Have a device with a camera ready to show affected areas if needed. Write down questions or concerns you want to discuss.

When Telemedicine Is Appropriate for Itching

Telemedicine works well for mild to moderate itching without severe symptoms. It can help with common causes like dry skin, mild allergic reactions, or chronic conditions needing follow-up. Providers can recommend over-the-counter treatments, skin care advice, or prescribe medications if appropriate.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your itching is severe, widespread, or accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, high fever, open sores, or signs of infection, you should seek in-person medical care promptly. Some conditions require physical examination, skin tests, or urgent treatment that telemedicine cannot provide.

Tips for After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the treatment plan given by your healthcare provider carefully. Monitor your symptoms and note any changes. If your itching worsens or new symptoms develop, contact your provider or seek in-person care. Keep any prescribed medications and instructions accessible for reference.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place with good internet connection for your visit.
• Have a device with a working camera ready to show affected skin areas if possible.
• Prepare a list of your current medications and any recent changes.
• Note the onset, location, and severity of your itching and any related symptoms.
• Write down any questions or concerns you want to discuss with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and medication instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve as expected.
• Seek in-person care promptly if you develop any red flag symptoms.
• Keep a record of your visit and any prescribed treatments for future reference.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help diagnose the cause of my itching?

Telemedicine providers can often assess your symptoms and medical history to suggest possible causes and recommend treatments. However, some causes may require in-person examination or tests for a definitive diagnosis.

What should I do if my itching gets worse after the telemedicine visit?

If your itching worsens or you develop new symptoms like swelling, difficulty breathing, fever, or signs of infection, seek in-person medical care promptly or go to the emergency department.

Are there any treatments for itching that can be safely recommended through telemedicine?

Yes, providers can often recommend over-the-counter creams, antihistamines, or prescribe medications based on your symptoms and history during a telemedicine visit.

Will I need to show my skin during the telemedicine visit?

If possible, showing the affected skin areas via camera can help your provider better understand your condition and provide more accurate advice.

Is telemedicine a good option for sudden severe itching?

Sudden severe itching, especially with swelling or breathing difficulty, is a medical emergency and requires immediate in-person care rather than telemedicine.

Sources

1. Itching (Pruritus) — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Pruritus: Clinical Features and Management — National Library of Medicine.
3. Skin Conditions: Itching — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Itching (Pruritus) - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.

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