Dermatology is built for telehealth
Skin is the one organ a clinician can largely assess by looking, which makes dermatology one of the best-suited specialties for online care. With clear photos and a good description of your symptoms, a dermatologist can diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions without you ever leaving home, often far faster than waiting for an in-person slot.
What online dermatology handles well
- Acne, including reviewing and adjusting ongoing treatment
- Eczema and dermatitis flares
- Psoriasis management and follow-up
- Rashes, hives, and minor skin infections
- Hair loss assessment
- Rosacea, fungal infections, and many common spots
- Initial review of moles to decide if in-person evaluation is needed
What still needs an in-person visit
Telehealth is powerful but not all-purpose. Some situations need hands-on examination.
- Anything requiring a biopsy, mole removal, or other procedure
- Suspicious lesions that need dermoscopy or physical examination
- Full-body skin checks for people at high risk of skin cancer
- Conditions that don't improve after a virtual plan and need closer assessment
Online care is a fast first step
Even when a condition ultimately needs an in-person visit, an online consult can triage it quickly, tell you how urgent it is, and point you to the right place.
How to take great skin photos
The quality of your photos directly affects how accurately a clinician can help. A few minutes of care here makes a real difference.
- Use bright, natural daylight; avoid harsh overhead or yellow lighting
- Take one wider shot showing the area in context, then a close-up
- Hold the camera steady about 15 to 30 cm away and let it focus before tapping
- Include something for scale, like a coin, next to a mole or spot
- Capture the area from a couple of angles, especially for raised lesions
- Photograph clean, dry skin without makeup or creams over the area
Getting the most from your visit
- Note when the problem started and how it has changed
- List products and treatments you've already tried
- Mention relevant medical history, allergies, and current medications
- Say if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, as this affects treatment options
Some symptoms can't wait
A fast-spreading painful rash, facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing, or a rash with high fever needs emergency care, not an online consult. Call 911 (US/CA), 999 (UK), or 112 (EU).
Ready to get your skin looked at? On iHealix you can upload your photos and connect with a verified, licensed dermatologist or doctor online, getting a clear assessment and a treatment plan tailored to you.