'Selfie' to cure skin problems

New York: If you have a skin problem, taking a selfie of the affected area and sending it to your dermatologist for analysis is a good idea.

According to a research, selfies can help identify and cure skin problems, like eczema, without fuss, for patients who live in rural areas or those who have transportation problems.

The study, led by April Armstrong from the University of Colorado, Denver, in the US, included 156 adults and children with eczema: 78 received typical in-person, follow-up care, while 78 received online, follow-up care.

The patients in the online care group sent photos of skin outbreaks to dermatologists who evaluated the photos, made treatment recommendations and prescribed medications.

After one year, clearance or near-clearance of eczema was achieved by almost 44 percent of patients who received in-person care and more than 38 percent of those who received online care only.

"It shows that online dermatology services could help improve access to care at a time when there are not enough dermatologists to meet demand," said Armstrong.

"This study shows something interesting - patients' eczema improved regardless whether they saw the doctor for follow-up in the office or communicated online," added Gary Goldenberg, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, New York City.

The study appeared in the journal JAMA Dermatology.