The concept of dermatology has witnessed a radical change in recent years thanks to the online dermatologist. Dermatology visits in the past would involve long wait times, difficulty in booking appointments and very often, high fees. With the introduction of telemedicine, people can now consult an online dermatologist in no time without stepping out of their homes.
Which is the best online dermatology?
Now that we see the relevance of the idea and the concept itself, it is important we look at some of the advantages that come with an online dermatologist. Most importantly, you now don’t have to wait for weeks to be able to even book an appointment or step inside a clinic.
This healthcare professional can be seen from anywhere while being comfortable wherever you are. Whether it’s your residence, workplace or even a holiday, a licensed dermatologist is just a click away.
In addition, consultations with online dermatologists on average tend to eliminate all waiting times. In the offline, traditional scenario, getting an appointment may take weeks. In these instances, clients tend to wait for a number of days or sometimes even hours*. This is critical for clients who have serious skin problems that require urgent care.
How Online Dermatologist Visits Work
Booking a consult with an online dermatologist is quite easy. Simply register with a telemedicine platform that has a specialization in dermatology. Most platforms usually request patients to fill in skin complications, capture photos of bothersome areas, and few details of their current aches. Thereafter, they are likely to be very out of the picture as an online dermatologist gets to see this information and revert back with some detailed instructions as diagnosis and treatment orientated.
They may also include a checkup as a follow-up appointment so that they can observe and check if these treatments are active and effective. For many standard skin disorders such as pimples, eczema, rosacea, or psoriasis, it does not matter whether such patients went for the online appointments or the normal physical appointment.
Common Skin Conditions Treated by Online Dermatologists
An online dermatologist may deal with various skin diseases and conditions which include the following:
Acne
Acne is, by far, the most widely spread skin condition impacting millions around the globe. Whether you’re suffering from mild breakouts or severe cystic acne, an online dermatologist can provide tailor-made treatment options that your acne and breakouts are kept to the minimum and managed optimally.
Eczema
Eczema makes the skin dry, inflamed, and itchy-sore. An online dermatologist is in a better position to allow one to identify what triggers them and suggest treatment options like creams or ointments, or lifestyle changes to help reduce the incidence of exacerbations.
Psoriasis
This is a long term skin condition where patients may suffer from the presence of red raised scales on the skin which can be itchy or painful. With the help of an online dermatologist, patients can opt for one or more treatment procedures available for this condition that seek to manage symptoms and improve skin significantly.
Rosacea
It is a condition that displays a symptom of facial redness and small visible blood vessels that can be a excessive problem. However, an online dermatologist could help find the most appropriate treatment modalities to cope with the condition. There are various methods that can help reduce redness and therefore boost self-esteem.
Rashes and Allergies
These can occur from various allergic reactions or irritants within the environment, among many other factors. With the help of an online dermatologist, it is possible to identify the cause for the symptoms and recommend effective treatments for the rashes, as well as preventive measures for the future rashes.
Is an Online Dermatologist Right for You?
With modern technology, consulting an online dermatologist is more accessible and straightforward to many patients. Although, it should be made clear that not all patients are suitable for this form of treatment, especially those with other severe skin cancers or those conditions which are post-operative.
However, if your skin problems are something basic like acne, eczema or psoriasis then the solutions are simple and get even better with an online app. An online dermatologist can treat you such that you do need to go there and in fact, they can even prescribe you medications which will either require you to go to a pharmacy or will be automatically delivered to your residence.
What are the advantages of going for an online dermatologist?
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Convenience: You can avoid the travel and the wait time in the office. You can get treated without ever having to go out.
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Affordable: There are a lot of clinics providing similar services at a fraction of the cost that it would take to see a dermatologist physically.
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Relaxation: There is no more need for sitting in a doctor’s office. The ease and comfort level has gone up considerably with the launch of online appointments.
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Skilled professionals: There is no need to be worried whether online dermatologists are quite that good. They are also licensed professionals just like anyone from a walk in clinic.
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Easy to operate: An online consultant gets rid of any geographical constraints if you stay in a small town or an area with less healthcare facilities. You would not have to go anywhere.
What is the Fee of Consulting an Online Dermatologist
The cost for visiting an online dermatologist depends on the website and the available services. However, it is safe to say that the average cost falls somewhere between $50 to $150 for the very first session. You can also subscribe to have access to a dermatologist for several times a year at a lower price on many online dermatology platforms. Many insurance plans now have telemedicine cover so check whether your health plan has online dermatologist services.
Some websites even advertise free consultations for some conditions, so head out there and look for services that suit you best in terms of expenses and your expectations.
Online Dermatologist Vs In-Person Visit
When opting an online dermatologist there are many benefits to be enjoyed, however one should also be familiar of the situations when a regular visit to a clinic is preferable. For example, whenever there is a need for surgical procedures such as a biopsy, the patient should attend the clinic physically. Similarly, if a close examination of the skin takes place, a online dermatologist might suggest a certain clinic for a patient's visit.
Nonetheless, the large majority of patients who suffer from skin conditions can seek the services of an online dermatologist at one sitting which makes it a great option for individuals who need fast and effective solutions.
Selecting a Suitable Platform for Visiting a Dermatologist Online
Dermatology is one of the telemedicine services that have been embraced by many platforms today. When choosing a service, it’s important to consider the following factors:
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Licensing and Credentials: Do the providers who you are going to deal with have board-certified dermatologists?
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Pricing and Insurance: See whether the platform has partnered with your insurance or delivers reasonably priced out of the pocket.
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Reviews and Testimonials: To what extent are you satisfied with services offered by the platform, how do other patients rate the services of the platform?
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Technology: The internet provides various platforms for video calls, some are easy to navigate, and others are not; a good platform should have the best quality video for effective communication.
For instance, DermatologistOnCall, FirstDerm, and MDLIVE are just some of the services that enable users to book for and undergo online dermatology consultation without much hassle. The platforms give access to a qualified and competent dermatology specialist within the shortest time possible and in the most convenient manner.
What to Expect During a Consultation with an Online Dermatologist for the Very First Time
Prior to conducting the telemedicine appointment, the patient would do well to prepare properly to receive the most of the online dermatologist. Here are some best-practice tips that may make sure that the counseling runs well:
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Prepare clear images of the affected areas. Many photographs taken at different angles will aid in highlighting the specific parts of the skin that might require the attention of a medical practitioner. Good statues would make it easier for the dermatologists to identify the patients’ conditions.
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Record your symptoms and your doctor’s treatment history. Record everything that is relevant to the current condition: descriptive details of the issue, where it hurts, etc.
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Prepare yourself for the consultation by keeping your ID and insurance details in mind, as the platform may require them.
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Ensure that your device has a dependable and secure internet connection at the time of the consultation, either a mobile phone or a computer.
The best solutions will be provided by the dermatologist if you are fully prepared for the appointment.
Conclusion
The concept of an internet-based doctor is bringing about a revolutionary change to how we conceptualize caring for the skin.
This enables a quick and easy consultation with a skin doctor while staying in the house. Within minutes, you can consult with dermatologists who are certified and experienced and obtain guidance and care for many skin problems at a low cost. If you have acne, psoriasis, dry skin, or similar problems, you can rest assured as an online dermatologist would be appropriate for your skin.
