What is teledermatology?
Having skin problems checked digitally by dermatologists.
Teledermatology means that skin problems are assessed digitally by dermatologists. In the pharmacy, photos of the affected area of skin are taken and, together with a short medical questionnaire, sent via a secure platform to dermatologists. They review the information and provide an assessment as well as recommendations for further treatment. This allows patients to receive a specialist opinion on their skin condition quickly.
Studies have shown that teledermatology can be effective for managing skin diseases. For example, mobile teledermatology has been shown to help patients better control acne, and teledermatological monitoring has also proven useful for patients with psoriasis undergoing biologic therapy (Fruhauf et al., 2015; Koller et al., 2011).
Fruhauf J, Krock S, Quehenberger F, et al. Mobile teledermatology helping patients control high-need acne: a randomized controlled trial. J Eur Acad Dermata/ Venereo/. 2015;29:919-24. [PMID: 25258175].
Koller S, Hofmann-Wellenhof R, Hayn D, Weger W, Kastner P, Schreier G, Salmhofer W. Teledermatological monitoring of psoriasis patients on biologic therapy. Acta Derm Venereo/. 2011;91:680-5. [PMID: 21879250].