Skin of Mine helps monitor moles, skin conditions
The Web site and app allow users to upload photos of moles and other skin conditions to measure and monitor any changes and to consult with a dermatologist within 24 hours.
Directed at the tens of millions of uninsured and underinsured Americans, or for those who want immediate dermatology-related diagnoses, Skin of Mine is a platform for measuring and monitoring moles and other skin conditions.
The app--updated in mid-May and compatible with the iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad--is now available for $2.99.
The setup is simple: create a free account at SkinofMine.com, upload symptom photos to receive automated analyses, and pay on average $50 to receive a certified diagnosis directly from a Skin of Mine medical professional (these include doctors, nurse practitioners, and physicians' assistants) of the user's choice.
These "virtual house calls" rely on both the uploaded photos and the user's answers to a medical form, which include details about location, sensation, bleeding, texture, family history, and longevity of condition. (Conditions analyzed include not just moles but acne, spider veins, vitiligo, psoriasis, etc.) An online ruler enables the user to standardize photo sizes for accurate measuring, and additional photos can then be uploaded and superimposed to track any changes.
Whether these virtual analyses (PDF) can ever be as good as in-person ones remains to be seen, but for those who are traveling in remote areas, can't afford office visits, or need feedback immediately, Skin of Mine has the potential to be a lifesaver.