How to Prepare for a Telemedicine Visit About Rash with Fever - Triage

Audience: pediatric

If your child has a rash with fever, a telemedicine visit can help you understand the situation and decide if urgent care is needed. During the visit, a healthcare provider will ask about the rash's appearance, your child's symptoms, and medical history. Telemedicine is often suitable for mild cases or when you need guidance on next steps. However, some signs require immediate in-person care. Preparing for the visit by gathering information and having a good internet connection can make the appointment more effective. Remember, telemedicine is a helpful tool but does not replace emergency care when serious symptoms occur.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
• Rash with purple or bruise-like spots — go to emergency services right away.
• High fever persisting despite medication or lasting more than 3 days — consult in-person promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild rashes with low-grade fever.
• Providing guidance on symptom management at home.
• Answering questions about rash appearance and progression.
• Determining if in-person evaluation is needed.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe symptoms like difficulty breathing or altered consciousness.
• Rashes with signs of bleeding or bruising.
• Persistent high fever unresponsive to treatment.
• Severe dehydration or inability to take fluids.

What to Expect During the Telemedicine Visit

The healthcare provider will ask about your child's rash, including when it started, what it looks like, and any changes. They will also ask about the fever and other symptoms like cough, difficulty breathing, or behavior changes. You may be asked to show the rash clearly on camera. The provider will use this information to suggest possible causes and advise on care or if an in-person visit is needed.

When Telemedicine is Appropriate

Telemedicine can be useful for mild rashes with low-grade fever, especially if your child is otherwise well. It helps you get advice quickly without leaving home. It is also helpful for follow-up questions or when you need guidance on managing symptoms at home.

When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

If your child has any of these signs, seek emergency care right away:

These signs may indicate serious illness needing urgent attention.

How to Prepare for the Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment:

After the Telemedicine Visit

Follow the healthcare provider’s advice carefully. This may include:

Always seek immediate care if new red flag symptoms develop.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Ensure a stable internet connection and a quiet environment.
• Have your child’s recent medical history and medication list ready.
• Prepare to describe the rash’s appearance, timing, and changes.
• Have a thermometer to measure and report fever accurately.
• Be ready to show the rash clearly via video or photos.
• Note any additional symptoms such as cough, vomiting, or behavior changes.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
• Monitor your child’s symptoms and temperature regularly.
• Administer any recommended medications as directed.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Seek emergency care if new red flags appear after the visit.

FAQs

Can a telemedicine visit diagnose the cause of my child's rash and fever?

Telemedicine providers can often suggest possible causes based on your description and visuals of the rash, but they may not provide a definitive diagnosis without physical examination or tests. Sometimes, an in-person visit is needed for accurate diagnosis.

What should I do if the rash spreads quickly or my child’s fever gets higher after the telemedicine visit?

If the rash spreads rapidly or the fever increases significantly, contact your healthcare provider immediately. You may need an urgent in-person evaluation to ensure your child’s safety.

Is it safe to give fever medicine before the telemedicine visit?

Yes, giving age-appropriate fever medicine like acetaminophen or ibuprofen before the visit is usually safe and can help your child feel more comfortable. Inform the provider about any medications given during the appointment.

Can telemedicine help if my child has other symptoms besides rash and fever?

Yes, telemedicine providers can assess additional symptoms and advise whether they can be managed remotely or if urgent in-person care is needed. Always share all symptoms during your visit.

What if I cannot get a clear video of the rash during the telemedicine visit?

If video quality is poor, try taking clear photos of the rash beforehand and share them during the visit. Good lighting and close-up images help the provider assess the rash better.

Sources

1. Rashes in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Fever in Children: When to Call the Doctor — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Skin Rash in Children: Causes and Treatments — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: What You Need to Know — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational and triage purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If your child shows any serious symptoms or if you are concerned about their health, seek immediate medical attention.