Teledermatology Advances: Use of Smartphones and Applications

Authors

Michael E. Booth, University of LynchburgFollow

Specialty

Dermatology

Advisor

Nancy Reid, MHA, DHSc, PA-C, DFAAPA

Abstract

Teledermatology (TD) is expanding in the United States and has evolved since its inception in the mid-1990s. Teledermatology is reliable with accurate diagnosis and management of skin disorders. ² Mobile applications and dermatology applications usage has increased exponentially with providers and patients whose demographics are shifting to a younger population comfortable with technology and looking for convenience.³ There are over seven billion mobile phone subscriptions worldwide which make it a suitable device for store and forward consultation for dermatology conditions.⁴ Dermatological conditions have been shown to be the most common condition patients visit the doctor and the most frequent reason for a consultation from their primary care provider. ^5,6 The new development in TD is the use of a smartphone, with a dermatoscope attachment, in the monitoring and diagnosis of skin lesions with patient involvement.⁶ This technology is considered an advance due to several studies suggesting that primary care providers and dermatology staff can capture baseline images despite having little training in dermoscopy.⁷

Recommended Citation

Booth ME. Teledermatology Advances: Use of Smartphones and Applications. University of Lynchburg DMSc Doctoral Project Assignment Repository. 2019; 1(3).