Challenges of Teledermatology: Lessons Learned During COVID-19 Pandemic.

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic required a transition to telemedicine to limit viral spread. Dermatology seems particularly well-suited for telemedicine, however, this pandemic transformed teledermatology into the predominant means of delivering care. Providers are limited in their ability to promptly and accurately manage disease without access to in-person tools. This monumental switch to teledermatology may disadvantage certain patient populations, including those with limited technological literacy (such as the elderly) or access to the internet. Dermatologists must acknowledge these limitations and recognize the consequences of severely limited in-person visits over a prolonged period of time.