What is the role of teledermatology in the management of acne?

Abstract

Acne is one of the most frequent dermatoses in adolescents and young adults. If left untreated, it may cause physical and psychological scars. The growing lack of dermatologists results in delayed appointments, which increases these risks. Teledermatology, including teleconsultation and tele-expertise, may help to manage acne. This article provides an overview of published information about teledermatology, including teleconsultation and tele-expertise for acne, and provides an expert point of view and recommendations for teledermatology. Five acne experts reviewed and discussed 52 publications regarding teledermatology for acne. Key words included "acne+teleconsultation", "acne+teledermatology", "acne+tele-expertise", and "acne+scars+teledermatology". The experts made recommendations regarding teledermatology for acne, proposed a specific questionnaire for tele-expertise requests for acne, and presented an acne patient care teledermatology pathway. In recent years, teleconsultation has become more and more useful in medically underserved regions. Currently, published data about teleconsultation for acne are sparse and no information about tele-expertise (from healthcare providers/healthcare provider services) for acne is available. While teleconsultation for acne is of particular interest during the follow-up of patients, an initial face-to face visit for acne patients is recommended before proceeding with teleconsultation. Tele-expertise for acne is proposed as a medical support among general practitioners or other specialists, and dermatologists in specific cases (severe acne, risk of scarring, etc.). Based on the literature and their experience, the experts made recommendations and proposed a medical care pathway for the management of acne, including teleconsultation and tele-expertise.