Telemedicine is now becoming a part of modern healthcare. It has proven to be superior in quality with minimal difficulty in some situations. The field of dermatology is also not untouched. Numerous dermatological conditions can be categorized into treatable by telemedicine appointments, or those requiring face to face appointments.

Although there remains a major limitation that telemedicine cannot be effective in areas lacking stable and secure internet connections.

Telemedicine in Dermatology-

• Effective for conditions that do not necessarily require close monitoring during treatment.
• Virtual sessions can cut back the travel cost and time of the patient.
• A customized software enabling clear recording of patient information, which can be transferable to other health care professionals or other health care facilities when required, will prove advantageous over the face to face care.
• Telemedicine can hold the privacy of its patients by ensuring login details and a consent enquiry.
• Electronic billing will aid in keeping records and minimizing the chances of fraud in health care delivery.
• Passwords protected devices will disable unauthorized access to confidential information regarding the patient’s condition.
• Teledermatology can be effectively used for treatment for select chronic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, acne, and psoriasis.
• Cases including in the diagnosis, surveillance and treatment of skin cancer, still anticipate newer technologies to provide remote monitoring capabilities for suspicious skin lesions.

The present COVID-19 pandemic has definitely renewed patients as well as physicians interest in teledermatology. Apart from being economic in the context of saving travel time and money, it will also open opportunities for remote patients to consult the specialists from the comfort of their home. Also, it will create awareness about the diseases and their prompt treatment in the rural areas.

Source: Beer J, Hadeler E, Calume A, Gitlow H, Nouri K. Teledermatology: current indications and considerations for future use. Arch Dermatol Res. 2021;313(1):11-15. doi:10.1007/s00403-020-02145-3