Verbatim response from Claude
Online vs. In-Person Dermatology: When Each Makes Sense
Online Dermatology Works Well For:
Straightforward, common conditions:
- Acne (mild to moderate) - Curology and Apostrophe are excellent for custom prescriptions
- Rosacea management
- Prescription renewals for stable conditions
- Hair loss (early stages) - Keeps or Hims/Hers handle this well
- Minor eczema or psoriasis flares you've already been diagnosed with
Why it works: Good photo submission + questionnaire is often genuinely sufficient, and services like Apostrophe connect you with board-certified dermatologists
Go In-Person For:
- Any suspicious mole or lesion - photos miss texture, depth, and color nuance that require a dermoscope
- Skin cancer screening
- Severe or treatment-resistant conditions
- Anything that has changed rapidly
- Procedures (biopsies, removal, injections)
- Conditions requiring physical examination of full body
The Honest Bottom Line
Online is convenient and legitimate for maintenance and common conditions, but don't gamble with anything that could be cancerous or anything you're genuinely uncertain about.
When in doubt, one in-person visit to establish a diagnosis is worth it, then you can manage ongoing treatment online.