Flaking, pustules and welts are signs of skin problems that can occur at any stage of life. In this health tip, we explain when and how a telemedicine consultation can provide answers quickly and conveniently, and perhaps even be the first step on the road to treatment.
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, and serves a protective function. Every day, it is exposed to countless environmental influences that can lead to skin problems. But there are also internal processes at play. If these are disrupted, the skin reacts with rashes, pustules, blisters, inflammation, nodules or flaking.
A telemedicine check-up is a very good way to have your skin issue evaluated. “If we are given high-quality photos, we can often provide a quick and straightforward assessment of the situation with the help of the information provided by the customer,” explains Silke Schmitt Oggier, Medical Director at santé24.
With skin problems, it helps to have the right perspective
It’s not about image quality or a particularly high resolution, but rather having images from different perspectives. “We must be able to clearly see the changes in the skin in the photographs. It is also important to know where the change has occurred and whether it appears symmetrically on the body, for example on the opposite hand or on the other side of the back,” Schmitt Oggier continues.
SWICA customers have the Benecura app, which they can use to conveniently take photos, any time, anywhere, if they have any questions regarding skin issues. The app gives users detailed instructions regarding the best way to take pictures from three different angles. Another advantage of the app is that the images are transmitted to santé24 via a secure connection.
Has your mole changed or grown?
A telemedicine check-up can also help with the question of whether a mole is benign or malignant. The doctors at santé24 examine certain characteristics: Has the mole changed or grown recently? Do the edges look blurry or jagged rather than smooth? Is it bleeding or itchy?
«If we receive high-quality photos, we can assess the situation quickly and easily in many cases.»
These indicators enable them to make an assessment and decide how urgently it should be checked. For legal reasons, however, telemedicine cannot provide a definitive assessment of whether a mole is benign or malignant. Silke Schmitt Oggier explains: “An unequivocal assessment of a mole can only be made on the basis of an in-depth evaluation of the pigmentation. This requires professional equipment and a consultation with a dermatologist.”
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