An app to look at that mole? Dermatologists advise caution

With more apps popping up applying the principles of teledermatology, doctors warn users to be cautious, even if the convenience is tempting. (Dreamstime/TNS)

While snapping a photo of a suspicious mole with a phone and uploading it to an app might seem like the swiftest way to a diagnosis, dermatologists say users should be wary of such technology, especially when it comes to screening for skin cancer. 

Several apps allow users to provide a list of symptoms and an image of their skin, whether it be a changing mole or an itchy rash, and submit it – for a fee – to an online dermatologist. That dermatologist can then recommend a cream, provide information on how to watch a benign-looking mole, or suggest making an appointment for an in-person biopsy with a local dermatologist.