If you develop a skin-related issue like acne, you may get treated via telehealth. Here’s how.

Skin conditions are common and can affect children, adults and older adults — really, anyone.

While some skin conditions may be mild and treated with over-the-counter medications, others may be more serious. They may require the care of a dermatologist. That’s a type of doctor who specializes in treating your skin.

With telehealth, which you may also see called virtual care, it's now possible to see a skin doctor online. That means you don’t even have to leave your home. You usually meet with them via video chat on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Below, learn about 5 skin conditions that skin doctors can treat virtually — and when it might be the right time to see them in person. We’ll also explore ways to access telehealth services.

Want to skip the waiting room? A telehealth membership may provide care for dermatology, general medicine and behavioral health. Find out more today.

1. Acne

While acne is often thought of as a teenage problem, it can also affect adults. It occurs when glands in the skin become overactive and produce too much oil, which can clog the pores and lead to the formation of:

• Whiteheads, a type of acne that appears as small, white or yellowish bumps on the skin caused by a hair follicle blocked with oil and dead skin cells.
• Blackheads, a type of acne that appears as small, dark spots on the skin that happen when a whitehead opens and is exposed to air.
• Pimples, a type of acne that is a small, raised, inflamed spot on the skin that occurs when a blocked hair follicle becomes infected with bacteria.

Adult acne can be more persistent and difficult to treat than teenage acne. But it can be effectively managed starting with an online dermatology exam from a skin doctor.

Thankfully, many skin doctors now offer telehealth skin care appointments. These can be a convenient and effective way to get the care you need.

During a virtual appointment, your skin doctor may:

• Assess your skin
• Discuss your treatment options
• Prescribe medication, if necessary

They may also recommend an in-person follow-up visit. That may be because a case is more serious, or because they want to see how your skin is doing after a prescription treatment.

2. Dermatitis

This is a general term for skin inflammation, and it can show up in various forms. Each has its own unique triggers, symptoms and treatments.

You may be able to manage mild cases with self-care measures. But if you have moderate to severe dermatitis, it may be a good idea to see a skin doctor. That’s especially true when navigating:

• Comprehensive skin care routines
• Lifestyle changes
• Prescription medications

One common type is called contact dermatitis. It happens when you make direct contact with an allergen or irritant. Common triggers for some people may include:

• Certain plants, like poison ivy
• Cosmetics
• Metals
• Personal care products
• Rubber

Symptoms typically crop up within hours or days of exposure. They may range from mild redness and itching to severe blistering and swelling. You can usually manage symptoms by identifying and getting rid of (or avoiding touching) the offending agent.

If you think you might have a mild case, it’s a good idea to talk to a skin doctor — and you can do so via telehealth. Topical medications may be sufficient to treat symptoms and promote healing.

For severe cases, even if you schedule a telehealth visit, your doctor may want you to come in for an in-person exam, too. They may prescribe topical or oral medications.

Want to learn more about telehealth? Explore telehealth options today.

3. Eczema

This is a type of dermatitis that you might also see called atopic dermatitis. It’s a chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It often develops in early childhood and may persist into adulthood.

Doctors don’t know the exact cause of eczema, but it involves a combination of genetic, environmental and immune system-related factors.

Eczema typically affects:

• Hands
• Feet
• Knees
• Arms

But it can also appear on other areas of the body. It shows up as red, scaly and thickened skin. It can be extremely itchy and uncomfortable. Scratching the affected areas can make the inflammation worse and even lead to infection.

While there’s no cure for eczema, it can be managed with proper skin care and treatment. Topical medications may also be prescribed in severe cases.

Managing eczema involves avoiding known triggers such as:

• Allergens, including dust mites, pet dander (dead skin cells) and pollen
• Irritants, like soaps, detergents and certain fragrances

Regular use of skin moisturizers helps keep the skin hydrated and prevents dryness. Additionally, stress management techniques can be beneficial, as stress can make eczema symptoms worse.

If you think you have eczema, doing an initial telehealth call could work. But your doctor will likely want to take a closer look in person to help figure out a treatment plan.

4. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. It’s characterized by the formation of thick, red and scaly patches on the skin. They can cause discomfort and make you feel bad about yourself.

While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, it’s believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There are many types of psoriasis, but the most common is plaque psoriasis. It affects about 80% to 90% of people with the condition.

Plaque psoriasis may appear on skin as a raised-up, inflamed lesion covered with silvery scales. (A lesion is an abnormal area on the skin.) These are commonly found on the:

• Buttocks
• Elbows
• Knees
• Lower back
• Scalp

While psoriasis is a chronic condition, it can be managed with various treatment options. Telehealth appointments with a skin doctor can provide convenient access to expert care, allowing for personalized treatment plans and ongoing monitoring of the condition.

It’s a good idea to seek professional advice from a skin doctor if you suspect you have psoriasis. That’s because early diagnosis and treatment can help improve outcomes and prevent complications.

Telehealth appointments can be a valuable resource if your skin doctor may want to see you more regularly after a diagnosis.

5. Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects your face. It shows up as:

• Flushing
• Redness
• Visible blood vessels

It can also cause small, pus-filled bumps and thicken the skin.

Although the exact cause of rosacea is unknown, several factors are believed to play a role, including:

• Environmental triggers
• Genes
• Immune system issues

Telehealth appointments can be a way to consult a skin doctor about rosacea. Treatment for rosacea typically involves lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding triggers, like certain foods, alcohol and extreme temperatures.

Skin care routines tailored to sensitive skin and regular use of prescription medications can also help manage symptoms effectively.

It’s important to consult a skin doctor for proper diagnosis and management of rosacea. That’s because it can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions like acne or eczema. And your doctor may be able to do that via telehealth.

Are there any other skin conditions a doctor may be able to treat via telehealth?

Yes. Other common skin conditions that a skin doctor may treat via telehealth include:

• Rashes
• Skin infections

Depending on what type of rash or infection you have, your doctor may need to see you in person after your virtual visit.

How can I access telehealth services?

Many health insurance plans offer telehealth as a benefit. You’ll want to talk with your employer’s human resources department (or the equivalent). They can help you figure out what your plan offers.

If your plan doesn’t offer telehealth, you still have some options. One could be to buy a stand-alone telehealth plan. Find out more by calling a licensed insurance agent at 1-844-211-7730.

For informational purposes only. This information is compiled by UnitedHealthcare, and/or one of its affiliates, and does not diagnose problems or recommend specific treatment. Services and medical technologies referenced herein may not be covered under your plan. Please consult directly with your primary care physician if you need medical advice.

Source list:

Acne Support. “Acne Types.” Retrieved from https://www.acnesupport.org.uk/acne-types/. Accessed January 16, 2025.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Acne: Who gets and causes.” Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/causes/acne-causes. Accessed January 16, 2024.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Adult Acne.” Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/acne/really-acne/adult-acne. Accessed December 11, 2024.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Psoriasis: Signs and Symptoms.” Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/psoriasis/what/symptoms. Accessed December 11, 2024.

American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Skin Conditions by the Numbers.” Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/media/stats-numbers. Accessed December 11, 2024.

American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. “Eczema.” Reviewed June 28, 2023. Retrieved from https://acaai.org/allergies/allergic-conditions/skin-allergy/eczema/

Cleveland Clinic. “Dermatitis.” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4089-dermatitis#symptoms-and-causes. Accessed January 16, 2025.

Cleveland Clinic. “Whiteheads.” Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22039-whiteheads. Accessed January 16, 2025.

Mayo Clinic. “Acne.” July 20, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acne/symptoms-causes/syc-20368047#

Mayo Clinic. “Contact Dermatitis.” May 2, 2024. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/contact-dermatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20352742#

National Eczema Association. “Atopic Dermatitis.” Retrieved from https://nationaleczema.org/eczema/types-of-eczema/atopic-dermatitis/. Accessed December 11, 2024.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. “Rosacea.” Reviewed May 2024. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rosacea.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. “Rosacea: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take.” Reviewed May 2024. Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/rosacea/diagnosis-treatment-and-steps-to-take.

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