While it may seem more difficult to manage your psoriasis during a pandemic, it’s important to stay the course. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Association, even if your psoriasis clears, it is likely to come back, so following your treatment plan and seeing your dermatologist regularly is required to keep it under control. And a letter published in April 2020 in the journal Dermatologic Therapy stated that even with the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors recommend that people on immunosuppressive drugs for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis continue their treatment due to the risk of flares if treatment is interrupted.
The Emergence of Telehealth to Manage Psoriasis
Telehealth visits, which allow you to connect with your doctor via smartphone, tablet, or computer, can be an ideal way to stay on track with your psoriasis management, whether you’re in the midst of a flare or not. “Telemedicine is an excellent option for people with psoriasis,” says Yul W. Yang, MD, PhD, a dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. “Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin rash that can last for many years but benefits from routine monitoring. Telemedicine is particularly powerful in evaluating follow-up of existing conditions.” During a flare, psoriasis can appear more red, white, or scaly. When treated, psoriasis lesions typically flatten and lighten in color. These changes can be seen in photographs or live video chat, according to Dr. Yang. So photos play a vital role in telemedicine appointments for people who have psoriasis. You may be asked to take photos of your symptoms ahead of your visit to send to your dermatologist so they can address any concerns you may have. “Photographs allow dermatologists to determine the extent of psoriasis spread, degree of inflammation, and any response to treatment,” Yang says. Telemedicine visits, which may include both live video chats and photos, don’t have this risk of COVID-19 exposure, but they also don’t offer your dermatologist the ability to feel or biopsy skin rashes and growths. Live video chats give you the chance to discuss your psoriasis with your doctor, but they probably can’t see your skin as well as they could with photos. Pictures are typically higher quality, with better resolution and less problems with internet connection, but may require more time for multiple messages and discussion. “Many times, we ask for photos prior to a live video chat, combining the best of both telemedicine modalities,” Yang says.
Photography Tips for Psoriasis Telehealth Images
Taking photos of your skin before a virtual visit requires more than a few quick snaps with your smartphone. Your dermatologist needs the pictures to be clear to help evaluate skin lesions and rashes, determine a diagnosis, and offer treatment. “When photos are out of focus, poorly oriented, too close, or too far, the images can be confusing or misleading,” Yang says. The following tips can help you take the best pictures possible to send to your dermatologist, according to Yang.
Don’t wear makeup, so you don’t accidentally cover the spot you want your dermatologist to look at.Clean the camera or smartphone lens.Reduce background clutter and use a white background, such as a pillowcase or sheet.Use standard overhead indoor lighting with a flash, because outdoor light tends to be too bright. Be sure there are no shadows or glares on the area you’re photographing.Make sure the image is in focus.Hold the camera parallel to your skin.Take multiple pictures of affected areas from different angles. For orientation, take photos from about 3 feet away; for details, take pictures from 6 to 8 inches away.It’s also helpful to take comparison pictures of your affected skin versus clear skin. If you have a spot on your right arm, for example, also photograph the same area on your left arm so your dermatologist can see how it typically looks,recommends the AAD.Ask someone to help you take pictures of hard-to-reach areas. If you’re alone, the AAD suggests using a mirror to make sure you’re getting a photo of the right spot.
Check with your dermatologist for the best way to send photos, whether it’s through an online health portal or other means. And write down any questions you want to ask when you meet. With these steps, you’ll be well prepared for your next visit.
