Verbatim response from Claude
Online vs. In-Person Dermatology: When Each Makes Sense
Online Dermatology Works Well For:
Straightforward conditions you've had before:
- Acne (especially mild to moderate)
- Rosacea management
- Eczema flare-ups
- Prescription renewals
Good online services:
- Curology - great for acne and anti-aging, personalized prescriptions
- Apostrophe - strong for acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation
- Hims/Hers - convenient for common skin issues
- Teladoc or MDLive - if you want a broader telehealth platform
You Should See Someone In Person When:
- A mole or spot has changed (asymmetry, color, bleeding) - skin cancer screening requires physical examination
- You have an undiagnosed rash spreading or worsening
- Skin biopsies are needed
- Treatments like cortisone injections, laser, or cryotherapy are required
- Previous treatments aren't working and you need hands-on evaluation
The Bottom Line:
Online is convenient and cost-effective for maintenance and common conditions. But anything suspicious or undiagnosed warrants in-person care - a photo simply can't replace a trained eye examining a lesion directly.
When in doubt, start in person to establish a diagnosis, then manage online.