What Is An Online Dermatologist?
Dermatology Online
Today, we’re taking it back to basics as we explain the ins and outs of what an online dermatologist actually is. We’ve had a lot of questions recently on what they can offer and why speaking to a First Derm Online Dermatologist can speed up your recovery and resolve your issues more quickly than the traditional approach.
- What is a Skin Care Specialist?
- Should I Consult a Skin Care Specialist?
- Typical Online Dermatologist Questions
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Your Dermatologist is in High Demand
Firstly, there are only 150,000 Dermatologists in the entire world! If you’re in the USA, based on the number of dermatologists, you’re looking at 1 for every 32,000 people. So, it comes as no surprise that you’ll be waiting an average of over 32 days just to get your appointment. This strain is compounded by the number of cases that need to be seen by a dermatologist. On average every person suffers from 1 to 2 skin diseases per year and 20% of all family doctor visits are skin related, this leads us to the next question…
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Can My Family Doctor Treat My Skin Disease?
Yes and no. A family doctor is of course going to be able to help but on average, 50% of the time a family doctor will diagnose incorrectly. Sometimes a family doctor will be able to resolve the issue for you. Especially with the majority of cases being treatable with over the counter medicines and creams but this could really go either way.
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Online Dermatologist to the Rescue?
Admittedly, we are biased. However, using an online dermatologist is a great way to avoid the clear issues and waiting times that dermatologists are traditionally lumbered with. We have over 30 online dermatologists who are capable of providing an answer within hours. Many patients are often surprised by how quickly and easily we can resolve skin diseases.
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How does an Online Dermatologist work?
The system we use is super simple! Simply visit our send case page, from there you just need to add 2 images of your skin disease or issue. Depending on the service you choose, our dermatologists will answer within 3 hours or up to 24 hours (depending on the service you choose). It really is that easy, no waiting times, just an immediate response you can either take to your doctor or to the pharmacy for an over the counter cream.
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What is A Skin Care Specialist?
Skin Care Specialists – Dermatologists
By this point you may now be wondering what a skin care specialist is? Is it the same as an Online Dermatologist? In many ways yes, it’s exactly the same.
Usually, you are referred to a dermatologist when your skin concern cannot be treated by your GP.
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What can Skin Care specialists check?
The clue is in the name but a dermatologist can treat the majority of ailments related to the skin. Typically, it could be a rash or mole that gets checked but they can also help to establish allergies. This is because many allergic reactions appear uniquely in the skin, from redness to dry rashes a skin care specialist will be able to help.
Here’s a list of what a dermatologist can check for:
- Skin Cancer
- Any type of rash
- Allergies
- Acne
- Hair Loss
- Warts
- Nail problems
- Vitiligo
There are many other conditions that a dermatologist can check for. From Psoriasis to Shingles, if it appears on the skin, they can help.
What Treatment Can They Perform?
Skin care specialists are not only there for checking skin conditions. They can also perform a huge range of operations and treatments.
Remember that we are referring to fully licensed certified dermatologists. This is something you should always check before visiting. Alternatively, for peace of mind you can use our online service where all of our doctors are fully certified.
In the U.S. for example, a qualified dermatologist is certified by the American Board of Dermatology or one of its variants. Once qualified, dermatologists can perform many operations such as:
- Chemical Peels
- Cosmetic Injections
- Cryotherapy
- Dermabrasion
- Excision of Lesions
- Hair Removal or Restoration
- Laser Surgery
- Vein procedures
- Skin grafts
- Biopsies
Further to this, they can perform many other operations but we simply don’t have the space to list them all!
Should I Consult A Skin Care Specialist?
This depends. Have you had an issue with your skin that you would like to get checked? Or is there a cosmetic reason? If yes, then you should consult a dermatologist. Usually a good place to start is your GP. However, if you can take a smartphone image of your concern then you can move past this and speak to an online dermatologist immediately.
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Typical Questions For an Online Dermatologist
PIGMENT NEVUS
Online Dermatologist Question
Dear Doctor, Please review photos of theses two moles. They are large moles on the back with slightly irregular edge. Patient is not clear on history as finds difficult to observe them as they are on the back. He noted some itching on the back but not clear on location. He likes spending time on the sun. There are some seborrheic warts nearby. there are 2 large over 6mm moles on the left/ There was no bleeding or rapid growth observed. I can send photo of the back if preferable Your sincerely Dr Petrenko
Received 2018-05-02 11:25
Given answer 2018-05-02 11:56
Online Dermatologist Answer
Dear colleague, thank you for sending your case. Based on the information and images, both look like benign PIGMENT NEVUS. Dermoscopy shows benign pigment networks with some slight irritation in the left mole probably due to itching. However, the patient should of course continue to keep an eye on these moles regarding any growth or other changes in the future.
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FORDYCE SPOTS
Online Dermatologist Question
Bumps/Rash/genital warts on both sides of shaft of penis and some on head of penis. I saw 2 NPs who were concerned it was HPV. However, I also saw a PA who did not believe it was HPV or sexually transmitted. PA thought it looked like fordyce spots but was confused by how the bumps were clustered.
I tried coconut oil because I originally thought it was dry skin- no improvement. Bumps have been there for at least a year. No itchiness. Also, the same sexual partner for the last 8 months. No definitive answer so far and was given a referral to see a dermatologist.
Received 2018-05-02 15:20
Given answer 2018-05-02 15:23
Online Dermatologist Answer
Thank you for sending your case. Based on the information and images, these look like FORDYCE SPOTS. Fordyce Spots are small (1–5mm), slightly elevated yellowish or white papules that typically appear on the border of the lips, inside the mouth, or on the foreskin, shaft and/or glans of the penis.
The bumps are usually painless. They usually appear in clusters but are typically normal sebaceous glands (oil glands). Fordyce Spots are present at birth but it is not until puberty that they start to grow and become apparent. Although they affect as much as 80-95 percent of adult population, Fordyce Spots are not associated with any medical condition, are non-contagious, and require no treatment unless they are of cosmetic concern. If they grow, spread or become painful you should see a dermatologist for evaluation.
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SOLAR LENTIGO
Online Dermatologist Question
I want to remove the spots on my skin and have a sunscreen suitable for my skin
Received 2018-05-02 16:13
Given answer 2018-05-02 17:33
Online Dermatologist Answer
Thank you for submitting you case. According to the information and photos, this appears to be Solar Lentigo. Solar Lentigo is a harmless patch of darkened skin. It results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which causes local hyperpigmentation. Solar lentigos are also known as an “old age spot” or “senile freckle”. A solar lentigo is a flat, well-circumscribed patch. It can be round, oval or irregular in shape. Color varies from skin-colored, tan to dark brown or black, and size varies from a few millimetres to several centimetres in diameter.
They can be slightly scaly. Solar lentigo are found as groups of similar lesions on sun-exposed sites, particularly the face or the back of hands. They occur in light and dark skin, but tend to be more numerous in fair-skinned individuals. Usually, a simple assessment is enough to diagnose Solar lentigo accurately.
However, if left untreated, solar lentigo will most likely persist indefinitely. Cryotherapy and laser surgery can destroy them, but treatment may leave a temporary or permanent white or dark mark. Bleaching agents such as Hydroquinone are not effective. The best treatment option is to have a chemical peel from a Dermatologist (ie 50% TCA). I hope this helps.
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ROSACEA
Online Dermatologist Question
I have a pimple on my forehead and right cheek. They continue to grow in size. About six months ago it spread across my chin. It’s ugly and causes me great insecurity as I have never had skin issues before. I live in the mountains of Colorado at 10000 feet. I am healthy and drink lots of water and eat a vegetarian diet. Please help.
Received 2018-05-02 19:33
Given answer 2018-05-02 19:40
Online Dermatologist Answer
Thank you for sending your case. Based on the information and images, this looks like ROSACEA. Rosacea is an inflammatory and non-contagious skin condition that is common in both men and women which usually appears after the age of 25. Small red lesions/spots can appear in the central part of the face (cheeks, nose and forehead).
Flushing is also common. Sometimes you will feel a slight burning sensation or itching. These symptoms can come and go. At times the condition gets worse due to different factors which vary greatly between individuals (eg, sun exposure, sudden temperature changes, spicy foods, alcohol, etc).
There are various creams that will treat this concern. For example Soolantra,Metronidazole or Azelaic acid and/or oral antibiotics such as doxycycline. I recommend that you see a dermatologist to discuss these options as they require prescription. You can also discuss other laser treatments that can help to reduce the redness (v-beam). In the meantime, I recommend cerave hydrating cleanser twice daily (over the counter). I hope you have found this helpful.
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URTICARIA or HIVES
Online Dermatologist Question
My daughter has horrible hives all over her body. We have considered everything and went to the primary doctor last night. The prescribed prednisolone and it’s not working. Any ideas?
Received 2018-05-02 21:19
Given answer 2018-05-02 21:29
Online Dermatologist Answer
Thank you for sending your case. This is possibly an URTICARIA: Urticaria or “Hives”. More often than not, the cause is medication, infection, heat, cold, pressure on the skin or an external irritant for example. This results in the release of the substance histamine in the skin. This causes local inflammation with swelling and gives rise to itching or burning, raised, red skin lesions known as wheals.
These lesions have a tendency to move around and disappear within 24 hours only to appear again in other places. I recommend over-the-counter antihistamine pills (e.g. Desloratadine 5 mg, one to four daily) to alleviate itching. Most often this will pass within a matter of days or weeks.
If no improvement or if it spreads see a dermatologist in person for a new evaluation and testing. If the welts appear for more than six weeks and recur frequently over months or years this is Chronic hives. Unfortunately, the cause of chronic hives is often unclear. The drug omalizumab (Xolair) is very effective against a type of difficult-to-treat chronic hives. This is a monthly injectable medicine. Kind regards.
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CONFLUENT AND RETICULATED PAPILLOMATOSIS
Online Dermatologist Question
I got this rash about a month ago. It was about a quarter of the size at first. Noticed after a run and it was really itchy. After a few days it didn’t go away so I went to the doctor. They thought it was contact dermatitis and prescribed clobetasol propionate. I used for the past month and it helped with some itching and the rash went a way a little in some areas but kept reactivating right near the original rash. Yesterday the doctor thought it was hsv-1.
Prescribed valacyclovir and acyclovir ointment. I took both medications yesterday and this is The rash today. It was about a third this size yesterday morning. The rash never got much worse despite missing a couple of days here and there.
Received 2018-05-02 21:54
Given answer 2018-05-02 22:26
Online Dermatologist Answer
Thank you for sending your case. Based on the information and images, this looks like CONFLUENT AND RETICULATED PAPILLOMATOSIS. This may also represent pityriasis versicolor. Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis (CARP for short) is a chronic, non contagious condition that presents with brownish grey, hyperkeratotic (scaly) bumps on the trunk including chest and back, sometimes extending onto the abdomen.
The cause of this condition is unknown. CARP is treated with prescription medications such as oral minocycline and/or topical tretinoin. Unfortunately, there are no effective over the counter treatments. If you desire treatment for this condition, I recommend you see a dermatologist for prescriptions with the above treatment options. As mentioned, this may also represent pityriasis versicolor. I hope this has been helpful.
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Cystic acne
Online Dermatologist Question
isotretinoin is the only cream I have used to help my skins helps with my acne and my acne scars …when I use it my face is so clear but when I do t use it breaks out n then scars appear then never leave
Received 2018-05-03 00:56
Given answer 2018-05-03 05:04
Online Dermatologist Answer
Thanks for submitting your case. Based on the information provided and the photographs it appears that you have cystic acne. Cystic acne is severe acne that can affect people of all ages, not just teenagers. A lot of women in their 20s and 30s suffer from this condition. Sometimes it can be linked with a hormonal condition called PCOS, but usually hormone levels are normal in most patients.
There are various options for treatment and I suggest you see a dermatologist in person to talk them through. Low dose oral isotretinoin is an excellent option for many people, but cannot be taken if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant in the next 6 months. Other options include the birth control pill, and a drug called spironolactone. Usually creams alone are not enough to control cystic acne which is scarring. I suggest you arrange to see a dermatologist. Best wishes
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GENITAL WARTS
Online Dermatologist Question
It itches and bleeds frequently. I’m not sure how it got on my behind but I have only ever been to bed with women. I’ve had it for about three years. I believe it is getting bigger now.. thank you very much.
Received 2018-05-03 12:17
Given answer 2018-05-03 12:41
Online Dermatologist Answer
Thank you for using our internet service and sending your case. According to the information and the (blurred, un-focused) images of your genital lesion, I can’t rule out that the skin lesion is possibly a CONDYLOMA. Commonly referred to as GENITAL WART. This is one of the most common STI’s.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the culprit and causes harmless warts in any part of the genital area. Most have no physical discomfort from the warts, however you may experience itching, burning or a small bleeding during intercourse.
The virus infects through sexual contact and the infection may be transmitted even when there are no visible symptoms. It usually takes a few weeks from infection until the warts start to develop, but sometimes the virus can lie resting in the body for months or years. Use a condom during sexual intercourse to avoid further spread of the virus.
Genital warts is often treated in many ways. A common technique is to have them removed by freezing with liquid nitrogen. I recommend that you see a dermatologist or a visit to a STI-clinic to confirm (or rule out) the diagnosis, to exclude any other venereal disease and to discuss the most appropriate treatment option in your particular case.
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SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS
Online Dermatologist Question
Patient has had lesion for 3-4 months Knocked top off and bled and does bleed 1.5cm diameter and no previous treatment
Received 2018-05-03 12:00
Given answer 2018-05-03 12:34
Online Dermatologist Answer
Dear colleague, Thank you for using our service and sending your case. Based on the information and images of this scalp lesion it could be an inflamed SEBORRHEIC KERATOSIS, but I can’t exclude a BASAL CELL CARCINOMA. Therefore, I recommend a biopsy and/or a referral to a dermatologist in order to confirm (or rule) out the diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment option in this particular case.
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ATOPIC DERMATITIS
Online Dermatologist Question
Our son started getting rosy cheeks in the fall when the winter got colder and it never really cleared up. It has been various stages of ok to bad but has never fully resolved. We tried various creams and ointments (borage oil, coconut oil, hydrocortisone, etc.), all with various degrees of impact and only effective if applied 4-5 times per day.
Now that he is outside again more and in the cold and wind, it is back in full effect and looks more scaly and feels incredibly dry to the touch. Not sure if its relevant but he had a reaction to penicillin last Christmas 2018. Otherwise no known allergies.
Received 2018-05-03 11:33
Given answer 2018-05-03 12:25
Online Dermatologist Answer
Thank you for sending your case. According to the images of your sons cheek, it is possibly a ATOPIC DERMATITIS: Atopic eczema is very common in children but can persist into adulthood in some cases. This condition causes itchy inflammation of the skin with red, dry patches which sometimes lead to cracking of the skin. In some cases, multiple small blisters can appear. Bacterial infections can also worsen the problem.
At-home treatment options include: avoiding substances that may be irritants (e.g. excessive showering/bathing), applying over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream (twice daily for a week, then once daily for another week and then every other day for 2 weeks) plus frequent application of a moisturizing cream.
If it doesn’t improve with hydrocortisone you can see a dermatologist in person since more potent steroid creams requiring a prescription may be needed. Tacrolimus creme can also be very effective on atopic dermatitis but it requires prescription as well. I hope this was to your help. Kind regards.
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PERIORAL DERMATITIS
Online Dermatologist Question
My rash is getting worse and it has been there for 10+ weeks now. Firstly, they prescribed fucidin cream, however, this didn’t work. Secondly, they gave me trimovate cream, this improved things slightly but did not clear it up. Third, they gave me aciclovir cream that I only used for a couple of days, this made it worse. Now, i have aciclovir tablets that I finish today. Unfortunately it’s more sore than it was and spreading further. Please could I have some advice. Thanks
Received 2018-05-03 09:38
Given answer 2018-05-03 10:23
Online Dermatologist Answer
Thank you for sending your case. Based on the information and images of your face, this is possibly PERIORAL DERMATITIS: A variety of causes of Perioral Dermatitis have been proposed, including exposure to topical corticosteroids and/or fluoride in water and toothpaste, but the cause is unknown. Is a rash that normally occurs around the mouth.
The eruption classically starts at the nasolabial folds and spreads periorally, sparing a zone around the vermilion border of the lips but sometimes it’s only localized on one side as in your case. To treat Perioral dermatitis, first you must stop using fluorinated dental products and topical corticosteroids (if being used). The second stage is to use topical antibiotics (eg, Erythromycin 2% or Metronidazole 0.75% gel or cream twice daily) or oral Tetracycline 250 to 500 mg twice daily (between meals) for 4-6 wk.
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Sources
Skin conditions in the UK : a health care needs assessment. Author Schofield, J. et al. University of Hertfordshire Research Archive
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The Specialist doctor from the University Hospital in Gothenburg, alumnus UC Berkeley. My doctoral dissertation is about Digital Health and I have published 5 scientific articles in teledermatology and artificial intelligence and others.
