What is Virtual Dermatology?
What is Virtual Dermatology?
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Virtual Dermatology, Digital Dermatology or Tele-Dermatology, is a rapidly emerging form of Dermatology care where patients connect with Dermatologists over technological platforms for diagnosis and management of certain skin conditions.
Dermatology is uniquely suitable for virtual care given its visual nature.
DermCafé leverages our era's technological advances to provide you with accessible, modern and quality care.
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As effective as
in-person care
Dermatology is a visual specialty. This means that Dermatologists make diagnoses based on looking at the skin.
Not every skin concern requires in-person inspection. Research studies show that 80-90% of skin concerns at the population level can be cared for safely through photo-diagnosis via a Virtual Visit with a Dermatologist.¹
As well, medical outcomes from Virtual Visits are widely reported to directly parallel outcomes from in-person visits.2
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¹ The majority of skin lesions in pediatric primary care attention could be managed by Teledermatology. Bianchi, G. M., et al. PLoS One. 2019 Dec 2;14(12):e0225479. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225479. eCollection 2019.
2 Teledermatology: A Review and Update. Lee, J. Eng, lish, J. C. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology. April 2018, Volume 19, Issue 2, pp 253–260
The majority of Canadian cities have no dermatologist, while cities with at least one dermatologist have wait times ranging from 3 months to over 1 year¹
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DermCafé bring dermatological care to those who cannot easily access it, whether you live in a town without a dermatologist, or your work/school day conflicts with traditional clinic hours.
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¹https://secure.cihi.ca/free_products/Geographic_Distribution_of_Physicians_FINAL_e.pdf
Virtual dermatology has already been the norm outside Canada
Virtual dermatology is a logical, cost-effective, modern and efficacious solution for dermatologic care, particularly in underserved areas.
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Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were more than 150 Virtual Dermatology programs worldwide, including within the United States, Europe and Africa.
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DermCafé is the first national Digital Dermatology Centre in Canada.
Timely Access
When to opt for Virtual Care vs In-Person Care?​
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What happens if I need in-person care after seeing a Virtual Dermatologist at DermCafé?
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As mentioned above, 80- 90% of skin concerns can be safely cared for virtually.
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Should in-person care be required (e.g. skin biopsy), your Dermatologist will inform you of the next steps.
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Where can I find more information about Virtual Dermatology?
Teledermatology - A Review and Update
Clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of teledermatology
Primary care attention and teledermatology
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Have more questions?
Read our FAQ page
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DermCafé CAN'T safely provide virtual care for:
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Inadequately captured on photo:
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Mole/skin cancer concerns
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Concerns inside the mouth
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Concerns in the anal/genital region
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Hair loss
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Concerns on the scalp
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Full or regional skin checks
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Hair loss
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Severe eczema or psoriasis
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Large birthmarks
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Requires in-person care from the onset:
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Widespread and complex rashes
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Wounds
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Procedural care (e.g. skin cancer removals)
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Warts
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Medical emergencies
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Prescription for controlled substances
These concerns require in-person care at physical Dermatologist offices
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DermCafé CAN safely provide virtual care for:
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Acne and acne scarring
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Rosacea
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Facial skin discolouration (Melasma)
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Photoaging
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Other facial rashes (Seborrheic dermatitis, perioral dermatitis)
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Dandruff
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Keratosis pilaris
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Hemangiomas
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Limited eczema
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Limited psoriasis
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Limited contact dermatitis
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Benign lesion removals (e.g. skin tag) in the GTA and Ottawa are available via transition to our Dermatology Team's physical offices