Teledermatology and Virtual Visits for Acne Management: A Review

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Digital Health
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Acne vulgaris is a prevalent skin condition necessitating personalized treatment strategies.
• Teledermatology offers enhanced convenience and accessibility, making it suitable for managing acne vulgaris.
• Understanding the efficacy and patient experience of teledermatology in acne care is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current applications of teledermatology in acne vulgaris management.
• To evaluate patient satisfaction and adherence to virtual care for acne.
• To explore healthcare providers' experiences with remote dermatological services for acne.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search across Medline, Embase, and PubMed.
• Screening of 1,103 articles based on titles and abstracts.
• Inclusion of 21 studies for data abstraction following PRISMA-ScR guidelines.

Main Results:

• Teledermatology demonstrates suitability for effective acne vulgaris management.
• Acne treatment outcomes via teledermatology are comparable to traditional in-person care.
• Patient satisfaction with virtual visits is high, though adherence to virtual care is lower.

Conclusions:

• Teledermatology is a promising and evolving modality for managing acne vulgaris.
• Benefits include time savings and improved access for rural populations.
• Further research is needed on platform effectiveness, limitations, and integrating preferences for optimal outcomes.