Verbatim response from Claude
Online vs. In-Person Dermatology: When Each Makes Sense
Online Dermatology Works Well For:
Good candidates for telehealth:
- Acne - especially if you've been treated before and need prescription renewals
- Rosacea management
- Mild eczema or psoriasis flare-ups
- Hair loss (pattern baldness, basic thinning)
- Minor rashes you can photograph clearly
- Prescription skincare like tretinoin or antibiotics
Recommended services:
- Curology - great for acne and anti-aging, personalized formulas
- Apostrophe - board-certified derms, good for acne/rosacea
- Keeps/Hims/Hers - straightforward hair loss and basic skin concerns
- Teladoc or MDLive - if you want a broader telehealth platform
You Need In-Person When:
- Any suspicious mole or lesion - photos miss texture and color depth
- Skin cancer screening
- Severe or undiagnosed conditions
- Treatments requiring procedures (biopsies, injections, laser)
- Conditions not responding to treatment
- Full-body skin checks
Bottom Line:
Online is convenient and cost-effective for maintenance and common conditions. But for anything involving skin cancer risk or diagnosis uncertainty, don't skip the office visit — a photo simply can't replace hands-on examination.