Teledermatology and Mobile Applications in the Management of Patients with Skin Lesions

Abstract

Teledermatology and smartphone mobile applications have been at the forefront of advances in the screening and management of patients with skin lesions over the past decade. The Spanish teledermatology network, established in 2004 in the area surrounding the dermatology clinic in Seville, has now managed over 50,000 teleconsultations and has led to validated improvements in waiting times for referral and surgery, allowed patients to be treated in local settings, and improved the early diagnosis and initial prognosis of patients diagnosed with melanoma. Both teledermatology and smartphone mobile applications can be used as training tools to improve the diagnostic skills of physicians and dermatologists. They can also serve as rapid and reliable methods to prioritize patient care and ensure that specialized services and treatments are accessible regardless of patient circumstances.