Skin check: getting problems checked out with telemedicine

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and acts as its protective layer. Every day it is exposed to countless environmental influences that can lead to skin problems. But our skin's health can also be affected by internal processes. Depending on the cause, the skin can react with redness, pustules, blisters, inflammation, nodules or flaking. A telemedicine check-up is perfect for classifying skin problems. "If the doctors at santé24 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 patient," explained Silke Schmitt Oggier, Medical Director at santé24.

Gaining a good overview with the right perspective

"High-quality photos" refers to pictures taken from different angles rather than images with a particularly high resolution. "It goes without saying that the changes in the skin must be readily apparent in the photographs. But in order for us to make an assessment, it's just as important to know where the change has occurred and whether it can be found in the same place on the other side of the body, for example on the other hand or the other side of your back," she said. "We also need to be able to ascertain the exact nature of the change in the skin – for example if it is raised, flaking or combined with blistering." For anyone insured with SWICA, the Benecura app is a good way to take photos of any skin conditions. 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.

Moles cannot be conclusively assessed

A telemedicine check-up can also help determine whether a mole is benign or malignant. The doctors at santé24 look for certain telltale signs, such as: Has the mole changed or grown recently? Do the edges look frayed or jagged rather than smooth? Is it bleeding or itchy? 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. As Oggier explained, "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 an in-person consultation with a dermatologist."

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19.01.2022