The Role of Telemedicine for Cosmetic Dermatology Consults

The health and safety of our team members and patients have always been our first priority. For this reason, Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology Corte Madera and Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin are now offering telehealth services for individuals who cannot make it to the office in person due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and restrictions on social distancing. This virtual consultation with our staff allows everyone to have access to the medical services they need during these critical times.

Some of you may be asking, what is telehealth and why should I schedule a telehealth visit? Telehealth provides convenient virtual appointments so patients can consult with a board-certified doctor from the convenience of their home. To learn more about telehealth and how to schedule a virtual consultation, as well as what steps you can take at home to keep your skin healthy, read on for more information from the professional team at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology, serving both Corte Madera and San Francisco.

What is telehealth?

Telehealth is a virtual platform that allows physicians and healthcare professionals to meet patients online no matter where they are in the world. Also known as telemedicine, this is often used as a convenience for individuals who cannot physically travel to a medical office. Telehealth primarily uses video communication so doctors can speak with patients and assess their concerns in real-time. During the private consultation, doctors can provide many of the same in-house services, such as prescribing medications and making recommendations for procedures.

Why should I schedule a telehealth visit?

As the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to affect U.S. communities, telehealth technology can help stop the spread of the virus and reduce the number of people who become infected. This is because consultations can be performed from the comfort of your living room versus inside our office. More specifically, patients of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology Corte Madera and Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin can consult one-on-one with a member of our medical team and get any skin issues of concern checked out without worrying about catching coronavirus from another patient at our office. Our virtual appointments can also save patients time from driving to and from the clinic.

How do I perform a skin cancer self-check?

Even as COVID-19 continues to spread, patients still have skin issues to contend with such as irregular-looking moles or concerns over skin cancer. When you meet with one of our skilled professionals at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in Corte Madera and greater Marin County, CA or San Francisco via telehealth, we can virtually examine the area and provide information about what to do moving forward. We can also offer guidelines for assessing healthy skin from head to toe for potential signs of cancer. Monthly skin cancer self-checks are a simple but very powerful method of skin cancer prevention that should be done no matter what is happening in the outside world.

During a skin cancer self-check, it’s important not to overlook any moles. Since skin cancer appears in many different shapes and sizes, patients should learn some of the warning signs. A normal mole is usually evenly colored and symmetrical in shape. Skin cancer is known to be large, discolored, or have rough borders. If you begin to notice concerning symptoms such as bleeding, it is suggested that you reach out to our office in Corte Madera and greater Marin County, CA or San Francisco as soon as possible and schedule a virtual consultation. When caught early on, skin cancer is highly treatable in most patients.

How do I achieve good skin care at home?

In addition to performing skin cancer self-checks, patients should make time for skin protection at home. This includes incorporating healthy habits into your routine. For example, years of sun exposure can lead to skin cancer as well as wrinkles, age spots, and other skin issues. We highly recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for healthy skin. Wear protective clothing and try to moisturize dry skin every day.

One of the most critical parts of achieving great skin care at home is using the right products. Medical-grade skincare products are backed by physician experience and years of research. These products are formulated to encourage the long-term health of your skin. During your appointment at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology Corte Madera or San Francisco, we can help you create a personalized skin care regimen. You can shop online with us for your SkinMedica® premium products. For Neocutis, EltaMD, Restorsea, and Skinceutical products, call us and we'll gladly take your order. All of your products will be shipped right to your door.

Protect yourself from contracting coronavirus

While everyone is doing their best to avoid unnecessary contact to avoid the spread of COVID-19, the teams at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in Corte Madera and greater Marin County, CA and San Francisco are doing everything we can to educate patients and provide helpful resources through telehealth services. By staying home, you can get the care you need while reducing your risk of exposure. Other ways of preventing the spread of coronavirus include washing your hands frequently and avoiding close contact with others. Patients who experience symptoms such as fever, cough, or body aches should reach out to their primary care provider as soon as possible.

Schedule a telehealth visit

When patients are able to see their physician as often as they need, without the challenges of contracting an illness, they can practice better management of their own health. The professional staff at Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology Corte Madera and Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology San Francisco & Marin are excited to bring telehealth technology to individuals who need it the most during this challenging time. We are passionate about teaching patients about skin cancer prevention and how to practice safe skin care at home. To learn more about telehealth or to schedule an appointment, reach out by visiting our virtual consultation page today.