Diagnosing & Treating Rashes Online

There are a wide variety of skin rashes and all of them are treated differently, so it’s important to know which rash you may have. Some of the most common rashes we see on TelaCare are as follows:

  • Poison Ivy/Oak
  • Eczema
  • Lyme Disease
  • Bug/Spider Bite
  • Hives
  • Chiggers
  • Diaper rash
  • Tinea

Rashes can also occur as part of a viral infection and in some cases, bacterial infections. Before your visit begins, think about what may have encouraged the rash to start in the first place. The cause of the rash and your recent history will be very helpful in making an accurate diagnosis.

When you come in contact with something that causes a rash, it can be easy for them to spread. It’s important to keep your rash clean and try your best not to scratch or touch the involved area. You and your online doctor can help determine the severity of your rash, what type it is and what kind of treatment is needed. They can help determine if a referral to a specialist is required.

During a video consult on TelaCare, your doctor will ask you a series of targeted questions to determine the severity of your rash. With our video capabilities, you can bring your phone, tablet or desktop with video close to the outbreak, so your provider can get a clear view. Your diagnosis will be based on the physical exam, duration, severity of 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 the rash is different depending on the severity and type.

Options for treatment of rashes may include:

  • Calamine lotion
  • Hydrocortisone cream
    • If there is a chance your rash is fungal, do not use hydrocortisones! This can make the rash worse.
  • Oral antihistamines (Benadryl, Zyrtec, etc.)
  • A cool compress with salts or Burow’s solution

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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. 


 I do not have a smartphone or computer, is there another way to talk with a doctor?

Yes, by dialing 1-800-317-0280 you can connect with agents who can assist you with whatever it is you’re looking for, including enrollment, connecting with a doctor, or answering any technical support questions.

 What if I do not have health insurance?

All of TelaCare's services are available without insurance. You have unlimited visits with your membership or employer group plan.

 Will I be charged more if I talk to a doctor on weekends, holidays or at night?

No. TelaCare offers 24/7/365 access no matter when you visit with the doctor, therapist or medical specialist.

 Do I need to schedule an appointment?

TelaCare is designed for on-demand care so no appointment is necessary. After you register and log in to TelaCare, the next available doctor will see you. If no one is available, you will be placed in a "waiting room" and notified by text message once a doctor is available. If you need to have an appointment at a later time you can select a time that is convenient for you and the doctor will call you then as well.

 Can a doctor on TelaCare order a prescription refill?

Doctors on TelaCare will discuss your health history and assess whether a refill is safe at this time or whether it would be necessary to see your primary care physician in person. The decision to provide a refill and the quantity is at the sole discretion of the doctor. Be sure to share any information you have about your health history and condition that may help facilitate your refill, such as recent lab tests or blood pressure readings.

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