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Teledermatology: The Doctor Will See You Now

A woman speaking with her doctor virtually

Just a few months ago, life looked and felt very different than it does at the moment. The last time many of us moved about our lives freely was around Springtime. Now, midway through summer, we’re doing a lot of things differently, including going to the doctor. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, many doctors’ offices closed for a time. Many of them turned to telemedicine to continue serving patients in the best possible way. Having this ability has been advantageous because, regardless of a pandemic, health needs must be given proper attention. We are pleased to continue offering televisits to patients who are not quite ready to resume in-person care.

The Rise of Telemedicine

Telemedicine is not entirely new, but it has caught on more this year than in the past out of sheer necessity. To see a doctor on a telehealth call keeps patients in the comfort of their home while attending to their health needs. Because they are referred to as “televisits,” these doctor’s appointments may sound as though they are nothing more than a phone call. That’s not the case. Televisits are usually conducted through some form of video. This may be a Zoom or Skype call or may even be conducted through your smartphone.

Can This Work for Dermatology? Yes!

Telemedicine, also called telehealth, may seem ineffective in the area of dermatology. After all, dermatologists do rely strongly on visual examination to diagnose skin conditions. If you have already begun treatment for something like acne or eczema, your telehealth video chats keep your treatment protocol running smoothly. But what if you’ve never seen a dermatologist and need some advice or treatment for new symptoms? Can telehealth work for you? It can! The most common skin conditions that are diagnosed by a dermatologist do not require special instruments or tests. Examples of common dermatologic concerns include eczema, psoriasis, acne, poison ivy, shingles, and contact dermatitis.

If you have dermatologic symptoms like a rash, redness, itching, oozing, or breakouts, the doctor will see you now. Video conferencing with a dermatologist requires a well-lit space where you can uncover the affected area of skin for examination. Have the phone number of your local pharmacy on hand so, if you need a prescription, it can be easily called in. Finally, if the affected skin is on your face, attend your appointment without any makeup.

At Westerville Dermatology, we are committed to keeping you healthy and comfortable. To schedule an in-person or telehealth visit, call 614-895-0400.

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