Online vs. In-Person Dermatology: When Each Makes Sense Online Dermatology Works Well For: Straightforward conditions you've had before: Acne (mild to moderate) — Curology and Apostrophe are great for customized prescription treatments Rosacea management Prescription renewals for known conditions Hair loss — Keeps or Hims/Hers handle this efficiently General skin concerns: Teladoc or MDLive work for quick consultations when you just need guidance Spruce is good if your regular doctor uses it for follow-ups Go In-Person When: You have a suspicious mole or lesion — photo quality can miss melanoma; don't risk it Diagnosis is unclear — a real exam catches things cameras miss Conditions aren't responding to treatment after a few months You need a biopsy or procedure Widespread or severe rashes — could signal systemic issues Pediatric skin concerns — kids deserve a thorough look The Bottom Line Online dermatology is genuinely good for maintenance and common conditions — it's faster and cheaper. But anything that could be skin cancer or is undiagnosed should be seen in person. When in doubt, start in person to establish a baseline.
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