Diagnosing & Treating Dermatitis Online

Dermatitis is typically caused by an allergy, but can also occur if you’ve damaged the protective layer of your skin. Because dermatitis occurs when you come in contact with a substance, it is also known as contact eczema.

If you get dermatitis from an allergy, your immune system will get involved. Once you touch something that your body is allergic to, your body will think that it is under attack and it will begin creating antibodies to fight the invader. Once this release of chemicals begins, an itchy, allergic reaction will most likely occur. Most contact dermatitis reactions aren’t severe, but they can be unpleasant until the itching goes away.

Dermatitis can be caused when one comes in contact with many types of substances, including but not limited to:

  • Poison ivy, poison oak & poison sumac
  • Hair dyes or straighteners
  • Nickel, a metal found in jewelry and belts
  • Leathers and the chemicals used to treat it
  • Latex rubber
  • Citrus fruit
  • Fragrances in soaps, shampoos, etc.
  • Some medications you use on your skin

During a video consult on TelaCare your doctor will ask you a series of targeted questions to determine if your symptoms point to dermatitis. Then your provider will proceed to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your provider may recommend in-person examination by a specialist if this is needed. Your treatment plan is based on the duration and severity of your symptoms and your medical history.

Our platform has an image upload feature that is extremely helpful for both providers and patients. With this feature, our physicians can get a precise, detailed look at your rash before the visit even begins. This feature is also very useful to see how your rash has progressed. If your rash has been present for a few days and you have a picture from the first day, it is helpful for our providers to see the comparison. If your outbreak is on your face, this feature is specifically useful for those that wear makeup – you can take a picture when you have a clean face, save it and upload before your visit! For best results we recommend pictures be taken in bright, natural light, close to the rash and from a few different angles. If you can give a size perspective, like laying a dime near the rash, this can be extremely helpful, as well.

Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the various treatment plans. Treatment for contact eczema is different depending on the severity. A consistent skin care routine is imperative for successful treatment. This is sometimes difficult for adolescent patients, so follow up visits, especially in the beginning of treatment, will be important.

Options for treatment of dermatitis may include:

  • Identifying the type and eliminating the cause, if possible
  • A cold compress
  • Creams or medications that can reduce itching
  • Moisturizers
  • Sunscreen

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Got Questions? We've got answers.

See below for answers to some of our most common questions. You can also call us anytime 24 hours a day at 1-800-317-0280 to speak to a medical professional about your symptoms or conditions.



 Can an online dermatologist determine if a skin growth is cancerous?

If you have skin lesions that fit the ABCDE criteria, in that they are Asymmetric with jagged Borders, multiple Colors, a Diameter larger than a pencil, and have been Evolving (you have observed them change over time) -- then you will likely need a biopsy to test for melanoma.

The ABCDE algorithm is just one of many tests a trained dermatologist uses in assessing risk of skin lesions, if you are unsure about whether your lesion merits a biopsy an online dermatologist can quickly examine your skin and either exclude the possibility of it being malignant or tell you that you have sufficient risk factors to merit going in person for testing.

 Does TelaCare offer refunds?

No, All sales are final, and no refunds will be offered or accepted on services purchased from TelaCare. As we are a medical benefits company like any other benefit, once you accept our terms and conditions, you have purchased our services and accept this refund policy as a whole. Services can be canceled in the system at your discretion under account settings if your account is completed. Your satisfaction with your purchase is essential to us. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason, please contact us at support@telacare.com


 Can I get a prescription online?

Yes, in general you can get a prescription online. There is support for this nationwide, however there are several exceptions. 


 What is TelaCare not for?

TelaCare is not for people suffering from serious or life threatening conditions, such as:

    • Seizures
    • Chest pain
    • Neurological symptoms, suggesting a stroke
    • Difficulty breathing
    • Dizziness or loss of consciousness
    • Sudden bleeding
    • Choking or gagging
    • Severe Hypertension or Hemorrhoids
    • Head injury
    • Possible broken bones
    • Cancer
    • Patients who want to hurt themselves (suicidality)
    • Patients who want to hurt others (homicidality)
    • Schizophrenia or hallucinations

    If you have any of the above symptoms or any other serious medical concerns please call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department.

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