Getting the most from an online dermatology consultation
Skin is a visual specialty, which is why video works well. Here is how to prepare so one consultation is enough.
Dermatology suits telehealth better than almost any other specialty, because diagnosis rests largely on what the skin looks like and on a careful history. For patients in Karbala, Basra, Erbil or anywhere a long drive from a specialist, a video consultation removes the journey without lowering the standard of care.
Key points
- Most common skin conditions can be diagnosed by video
- Moles, biopsies and procedures need an in-person visit
- Daylight photographs change the quality of the consultation
- You leave with a written plan and a review date
- Prescriptions are coordinated with your local doctor
What works well remotely
Acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, pigmentation, hair loss, nail problems, fungal infections, children’s rashes and cosmetic advice are all handled well by video with good photographs. Follow up visits, treatment adjustments and second opinions are particularly efficient online.
What needs an in-person visit
Anything requiring dermatoscopy of a suspicious mole, a biopsy, a procedure such as cryotherapy or injections, or a widespread severe rash with fever needs to be seen in person. When that is the case you will be told plainly during the consultation and directed to a clinic visit in Baghdad.
How to photograph your skin
Photograph quality decides how much can be achieved in one call.
- Use daylight near a window, never a yellow bulb or flash
- Take one wide photo showing the area in context, then two close ups
- Hold the phone about twenty centimetres away and tap to focus
- Remove makeup and creams first
- Photograph nails and scalp from several angles
Prescriptions and follow up
You receive a written plan naming the diagnosis, the treatments, how to apply them, how long for, and the review date. Medicines are chosen from what Iraqi pharmacies stock. Prescriptions are coordinated with your local doctor rather than issued directly, which keeps your care safe and legally sound in your own country.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an online consultation?
A first consultation is typically twenty to thirty minutes, with a shorter slot for follow up. Photographs sent in advance make the time far more useful.
Is the consultation available in Arabic?
Yes. Consultations are conducted in Arabic, English or Farsi, and the written plan is provided in the language you prefer.
Need advice for your own skin?
Book a video consultation from anywhere in Iraq, or a clinic visit in Baghdad or Karbala.
