Teledermatology: its use in the detection and management of actinic keratosis

Abstract

Teledermatology can profoundly improve access to medical services for those who may have limited access to dermatology due to workforce shortages or limitations in their mobility or who are located far from providers. Two common methods of teledermatology are synchronous live methods, where the patient and doctor directly communicate, and asynchronous store-and-forward methods, where the patient and doctor independently provide and assess the medical information. Teledermatology has been tested for its safety, feasibility and accuracy for a number of dermatological conditions, including the early detection of skin cancer, and is considered safe, feasible and accurate. Studies have reported somewhat better results for synchronous than asynchronous methods, possibly due to the loss of information if no direct patient doctor contact was feasible. However, asynchronous methods are easier to organise, require less-sophisticated technology and are more widely accessible and convenient for both patients and doctors. No study to date has focused solely on teledermatology for actinic keratosis, but such lesions are typically found during teledermatology examinations for other main target lesions. In studies where such results were reported, actinic keratoses seemed to be readily identifiable for teledermatologists, and adequate management and treatment can be suggested within remote consultations.