How to Prepare for Dermatology Tele-Visits

Audience: all

Dermatology tele-visits allow you to consult a skin specialist remotely using video calls or photos. To get the most from your appointment, it helps to prepare well. This includes taking clear photos of your skin concerns, listing your symptoms and medical history, and choosing a quiet, well-lit space for the visit. Telemedicine can often address common skin issues like rashes, acne, or eczema, but some conditions may require an in-person exam or tests. Knowing when to seek urgent care is important if you notice severe pain, spreading redness, or signs of infection. After your tele-visit, follow your provider’s advice carefully and schedule follow-up care if needed. This guide helps you prepare effectively and understand what to expect during your dermatology tele-visit.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Rapidly spreading redness or swelling around a skin lesion — seek urgent medical care.
• Severe pain, warmth, or pus indicating possible infection — contact healthcare immediately.
• Sudden onset of difficulty breathing, swelling of face or lips, or severe allergic reaction — call emergency services right away.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment and management of common skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and mild rashes.
• Follow-up visits to monitor treatment progress.
• Advice on skincare routines and medication use.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe skin infections requiring immediate physical examination or intervention.
• Suspicious moles or lesions needing biopsy or in-person evaluation.
• Emergency allergic reactions or rapidly worsening symptoms needing urgent care.

Before Your Tele-Visit: Getting Ready

Prepare by finding a quiet, well-lit area where you can show your skin clearly. Use a device with a good camera and stable internet. Take clear photos of the affected areas from different angles. Write down your symptoms, when they started, and any treatments you have tried. Also, have a list of your current medications and allergies ready to share.

During the Tele-Visit: What to Expect

Your healthcare provider will ask about your skin concerns and may request you to show affected areas via video or photos. They will discuss your medical history and symptoms. Be honest and detailed to help them understand your condition. They may suggest treatments you can start at home or recommend further tests or an in-person visit if needed.

Common Skin Issues Managed via Telemedicine

Many skin conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, and mild rashes can often be assessed remotely. Your provider can advise on treatments, skincare routines, and when to seek further care. Telemedicine is useful for follow-up visits to monitor progress or adjust treatments.

When In-Person Care May Be Needed

If your condition worsens, spreads rapidly, or shows signs of infection (pus, severe pain, swelling), an in-person exam may be necessary. Also, unusual moles or growths might require physical evaluation or biopsy. Your provider will guide you if these steps are needed.

After Your Tele-Visit: Next Steps

Follow the treatment plan your provider gives. Schedule any recommended follow-up visits or tests. Monitor your skin for changes and report any new or worsening symptoms promptly. Keep your photos and notes handy for future visits.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit room with good internet connection.
• Use a device with a clear camera (smartphone, tablet, or computer).
• Take clear, focused photos of affected skin areas from multiple angles.
• Write down your symptoms, their duration, and any treatments tried.
• List current medications and known allergies.
• Have your identification and insurance information ready if needed.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and medication instructions given by your provider.
• Schedule any recommended follow-up tele-visits or in-person appointments.
• Monitor your skin condition and note any changes or side effects.
• Contact your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or new red flags appear.
• Keep a record of your skin condition progress with photos if possible.

FAQs

Can I use telemedicine for all types of skin problems?

Telemedicine is often helpful for many common skin issues like acne, eczema, and mild rashes. However, some conditions, such as suspicious moles or severe infections, may require an in-person visit for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How can I take good photos of my skin for the tele-visit?

Use natural light or a bright lamp to illuminate the area. Hold your device steady and take clear, focused photos from different angles. Avoid shadows or blurry images. Including a ruler or coin can help show size if needed.

What should I do if my skin condition gets worse after the tele-visit?

If you notice rapid spreading redness, severe pain, pus, or other signs of infection, seek in-person medical care promptly. Contact your healthcare provider to report changes and get advice on next steps.

Will my tele-visit be private and secure?

Healthcare providers use secure platforms to protect your privacy during telemedicine visits. Ensure you are in a private space during the call and use trusted devices and networks to maintain confidentiality.

Do I need any special equipment for a dermatology tele-visit?

Typically, a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a good camera and internet connection is sufficient. No special equipment is usually required, but clear images and good lighting help the provider assess your skin better.

Sources

1. Skin Conditions — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Telehealth: What You Need to Know — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Skin Problems and Diseases — Mayo Clinic.
4. Telemedicine: Opportunities and Developments in Member States — World Health Organization (WHO).

This guide provides general information about dermatology tele-visits and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. Telemedicine may not be appropriate for all conditions. Always seek urgent in-person care if you experience severe symptoms or red flags.