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You just noticed a new mole on your face, or maybe your acne flared up again. However, your busy work or home schedule doesn’t allow a visit to the dermatologist.

There’s a convenient solution. Virtual dermatology (a form of telehealth) is the quickest, most efficient way to get treatment for many skin conditions. Here’s a look at how virtual dermatology works.

What Is Virtual Dermatology?

Virtual dermatology means seeing your doctor from the comfort of your home. Virtual dermatology encompasses both video visits and eDermatology. With eDermatology, you send photos and information through a portal instead of having a video call.

Virtual dermatology isn’t a substitute for skin cancer screening examinations. All patients should contact their dermatology provider to discuss how often they should have a full body skin cancer screening. This is where your provider will perform a complete skin examination to help detect skin cancer.

But virtual dermatology can be an effective way to get care for skin problems between annual office appointments. It can cost less because virtual visits are sometimes cheaper than in-person visits.

Here are some things your doctor can do during a virtual dermatology appointment.

• Check on chronic conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
• Check unusual spots on your skin.
• Examine your skin, hair, or nails.
• Give you care at a time convenient for you.
• Give you care if you can’t leave your home for health reasons or weather conditions.
• Give you care if you live in a remote area.
• Prescribe medicine for a skin condition.

After a virtual appointment, either by video chat or eDermatology, your doctor may want to see you in person. They’ll let you know if you should make a follow-up appointment in the office.

What Conditions Can Doctors Treat via Virtual Dermatology?

Easily visible conditions are the easiest to treat via virtual dermatology. They include:

• Acne.
• Blisters.
• Cold sores.
• Eczema.
• Hives.
• Infected or inflamed cysts.
• Insect or spider bites.
• Moles or other suspicious spots.
• Poison ivy.
• Psoriasis.
• Rash.
• Rosacea.
• Scabies.
• Shingles.

Note: Doctors can only examine and treat one condition per virtual appointment. They can’t do a full body or total body skin cancer screening examination during a virtual visit.

How Can I Prepare for a Video Visit?

You can take several steps to make the most of your virtual dermatology appointment.

• Check with your insurance company first — Find out what they cover and your copayment.
• Find out what basic information the doctor needs — This will probably include your medical history. You may also need to fill out some forms online before the appointment.
• Make a list for reference — Include any medications you take, previous surgeries, or major illnesses. You should also note any skin problems you’ve had in the past. Write down exactly when your current symptoms began.
• Watch for an email from your doctor’s office or message in your MyUPMC portal — You may receive a link for the appointment or request other information.
• Write down any concerns or questions before the visit — Forgetting things during a video visit is easy, so a list will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.
• Don’t do anything to irritate your skin before the appointment — That includes exercising, taking a hot shower, or applying skin care products.
• Find a quiet space where no one will interrupt you — You should keep your focus on the video visit, not your children or pets. Make sure the area is well-lit and has a good internet connection.
• Follow the instructions for connecting to the visit — Make sure you’re on time for the appointment, which has been set aside for you.

How Does eDermatology Work?

With an eDermatology appointment, you won’t see a doctor in real time. Instead, you’ll complete a questionnaire about your symptoms. You’ll also upload three to five photos to a confidential portal.

Because you’re not seeing a doctor in real time, eDermatology is available 24/7. No appointment is necessary.

A dermatology provider will follow up with a diagnosis and medical advice within three days. They’ll give you a treatment plan that may include a prescription for medicine. They may also ask you to schedule an in-person appointment if they need to see more or provide other treatments.

How to Take Photos for eDermatology

Having good-quality photos so your dermatologist can clearly see the problem area is important. Here are some steps for taking the best photos possible:

• Take off any makeup or nail polish — Allow enough time for your skin to calm down after you remove makeup. Scrubbing your face or using hot water can cause your skin to redden or become irritated.

• Look for an area with good lighting — You don’t want the problem area hidden by a shadow. Natural or bright light from a lamp or flashlight should shine on your skin, not from behind it.
• Enlist help — If the problem area is hard to reach, have someone else take the photo. If you’re alone, you can use a selfie stick or the timer on your camera.
• Turn off camera filters — Ensure your phone is in a normal setting. Your dermatologist needs to see a clear, accurate photo, not a glamour shot.
• Take three photos — The first should show the entire area (for example, your whole face, if you have acne on your chin). The second photo should be closer, showing the problem area and healthy skin around it. The third photo should be an actual close-up, zoomed-in enough to show the fine lines on your skin.
• Reach out with questions — If you’re unsure what to do, contact the dermatologist’s office. You can also ask them about insurance coverage, payments, and the best way to send the photos. Many dermatologists have a confidential portal for uploading pictures.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 14, 2025, and was last reviewed on December 18, 2025.