[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/01\/virtual-dermatology\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/01\/virtual-dermatology\/","headline":"How Virtual Dermatology Can Help You Treat Your Skin","name":"How Virtual Dermatology Can Help You Treat Your Skin","description":"

Virtual dermatology can be a convenient alternative to in-person visits for skin care. Here's what you need to know about the two types of virtual dermatology.<\/p>","datePublished":"2025-01-14","dateModified":"2025-12-18","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","name":"Dermatology","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/dermatology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/dermatology\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/GettyImages-1346651717.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/GettyImages-1346651717.jpg","height":868,"width":1999},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/01\/virtual-dermatology\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Skin Care"],"wordCount":1053,"articleBody":"You just noticed a new mole on your face, or maybe your acne flared up again. However, your busy work or home schedule doesn\u2019t allow a visit to the dermatologist.There\u2019s a convenient solution. Virtual dermatology (a form of telehealth) is the quickest, most efficient way to get treatment for many skin conditions. Here\u2019s 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\u2019t 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 \u2014 Find out what they cover and your copayment.Find out what basic information the doctor needs \u2014 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 \u2014 Include any medications you take, previous surgeries, or major illnesses. You should also note any skin problems you\u2019ve had in the past. Write down exactly when your current symptoms began.Watch for an email from your doctor\u2019s office or message in your MyUPMC portal \u2014\u00a0You may receive a link for the appointment or request other information.Write down any concerns or questions before the visit \u2014 Forgetting things during a video visit is easy, so a list will help you make the most of your time with the doctor.Don\u2019t do anything to irritate your skin before the appointment \u2014 That includes exercising, taking a hot shower, or applying skin care products.Find a quiet space where no one will interrupt you \u2014 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 \u2014 Make sure you\u2019re on time for the appointment, which has been set aside for you.How Does eDermatology Work?With an eDermatology appointment, you won\u2019t see a doctor in real time. Instead, you\u2019ll complete a questionnaire about your symptoms. You\u2019ll also upload three to five photos to a confidential portal.Because you\u2019re 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\u2019ll 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 eDermatologyHaving 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 \u2014 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 \u2014 You don\u2019t 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 \u2014 If the problem area is hard to reach, have someone else take the photo. If you\u2019re alone, you can use a selfie stick or the timer on your camera.Turn off camera filters \u2014 Ensure your phone is in a normal setting. Your dermatologist needs to see a clear, accurate photo, not a glamour shot.Take three photos \u2014 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 \u2014 If you’re unsure what to do, contact the dermatologist\u2019s 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.SourcesAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association. What Is Telemedicine? LinkAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association. Telemedicine: How to Prepare for Your Appointment. LinkAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association. Telemedicine: How to Get Quality Care. LinkAmerican Academy of Dermatology Association. How to Take Pictures of Your Skin for Your Dermatologist. LinkMedlinePlus. Telehealth. LinkJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. Telemedicine in dermatology: findings and experiences worldwide \u2014 a systematic literature review. Link"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2025","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"01","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/\/01\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"How Virtual Dermatology Can Help You Treat Your Skin","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2025\/01\/virtual-dermatology\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]