Between the difficulty of scheduling appointments and the long wait times, going to a doctor's office is never fun. And that's just for a regular doctor. The process takes on a new horrible layer when you're visiting a dermatologist and have an embarrassing skin issue that makes it hard to leave the house.

But with today's crop of dermatology apps, you don't have to. These apps give you direct access to a skin doctor who performs an online dermatology consultation after viewing photos of your skin concern. You can get advice and a prescription, all without ever leaving your home.

To see how it all works, we spoke to Dr. David Soleymani, a board-certified dermatologist who practices in Indiana and who created the app Dermio.

How do you use a dermatology app?

It's simple: you download the app, upload photos of your condition, have an online consultation with a dermatologist, get a diagnosis, and if necessary, get a prescription sent to the pharmacy.

Dermio, specifically, lets you include videos and written descriptions of your condition, which could range from adult acne to psoraisis to a rash. It only costs $40 for a consultation, but it's even less if you snag our Dermio deal. Dr. Soleymani says that he or one of his fellow Dermio dermatologists usually responds within 24 hours or a little longer if it's a weekend.

If you don't want to download the app, you can still get an online dermatology consultation.

What are the advantages of dermatology apps?

They provide easy access to a dermatologist.

That's especially important for the underinsured and those in underserved areas, two groups Dr. Soleymani had in mind when he decided to create Dermio.

They are a lot more convenient than traditional dermatology visits.

As Dr. Soleymani explains it, seeing a dermatologist in person usually involves scheduling an appointment one to three months in advance, missing work, paying for parking or transportation, and then sitting around in a waiting room. All that hassle could even lead to people putting off getting the help they need.

Or, patients could "easily take care of their problem using Dermio in a fraction of that amount of time and cost," he says.

They're often cheaper.

Depending on your insurance, the co-pay to see a specialist like a dermatologist can be high—close to $75. Obviously, paying $40 is a much more attractive option. "We don't utilize health insurance with the app," Dr. Soleymani says of Dermio. "We believe we can offer lower cost care by taking out the middleman."

They give nearly instant peace of mind.

If you've ever freaked out about a sudden rash or just reached the breaking point with your hormonal acne, you know how valuable it is to not have to wait to see a dermatologist.

What advantages does Dermio have, specifically?

You'll get a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist.

The medical professionals giving consultations on Dermio are all board-certified dermatologists, not physician's assistants or nurses. "By using Dermio, one can get access to an actual board-certified dermatologist on demand, anytime, anywhere," Dr. Soleymani says.

Dermio "will evaluate and treat any skin condition."

Other apps only handle specific issues, such as acne, Dr. Soleymani says, but his app will deal with any dermatological concern.

Dermio has a specialty branch called Dermio for Clinics.

"We provide doctor-to-doctor consultations to help patients who don't have access to a dermatologist," Dr. Soleymani says, explaining that this branch of the app is utilized by medical clinics in rural areas.

How does an app like Dermio handle cancer?

"We have actually diagnosed skin cancer and immediately sent patients in for treatment that may have otherwise been neglected had the patient not tried the app," Dr. Soleymani says.

"On the other hand, we don't recommend the app as a first choice if a patient is worried about skin cancer. Concern about skin cancer warrants an in-person examination, unless the patient is absolutely unable to be seen in a timely manner," he adds.

Other serious skin conditions may require in-person consultations, too. Those office visits would be an additional charge and billing would go through insurance because it's completely separate from the app.

How does it handle doctor-patient confidentiality?

According to Dr. Soleymani, the app is HIPAA-compliant, so everything from the posted photos to the medical records are secure and private.

Any tips for using dermatology apps?

"Make sure the photo is in focus, well-lit," Dr. Soleymani advises. "And more than one photo is very helpful."

Can anyone use Dermio?

Right now, Dermio is currently licensed for use in Illinois, Indiana, Oregon, and California, but plans are underway for it to expand to all 50 states.

Here's What Customers Say about Dermio:

Working really great! My acne is gone within a week! Thank you very much, wish I had known this app sooner, then I won't have scars on my face. – Zihui L.

Wow! This has been the best [deal] I've ever come across. I received an extremely fast response. This is a perfect solution for my adult acne! – Patricia K.

Can't believe I got a (very accurate and clear) skin diagnosis and prescription to fix the issue all without having to leave the house! Extremely convenient! The doctor is also local so I've finally found myself a dermatologist! – Greta D.

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