From the Guidelines
I strongly advise against attempting to diagnose skin conditions based on images, as accurate diagnosis requires a healthcare professional's visual examination and consideration of patient history and additional tests. For accurate diagnosis of skin conditions, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional such as a dermatologist who can visually examine the condition in person. Dermatologists use visual examination along with patient history and sometimes additional tests like skin biopsies to make accurate diagnoses. If you're concerned about a skin condition, scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist is the most appropriate course of action. Many common skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, and rosacea have distinctive appearances that trained medical professionals can identify. Self-diagnosis based on internet images can be misleading and potentially dangerous, as many skin conditions share similar visual characteristics but require different treatments. Additionally, factors like skin tone, lighting, and image quality can affect how conditions appear in photographs, making professional in-person assessment the gold standard for diagnosis, as supported by guidelines for the diagnosis and management of various skin conditions 1. Some skin conditions, such as cutaneous leishmaniasis, can have varied presentations, including ulcerative lesions, nodular lesions, and scarring, as shown in clinical photographs 1. However, these images should not be used for self-diagnosis, and a healthcare professional's evaluation is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment. The use of dermoscopy and other non-invasive techniques can aid in diagnosis, but these should be used in conjunction with a thorough clinical examination and patient history, as recommended in guidelines for the management of primary cutaneous melanoma 1. In summary, while images can be helpful in illustrating various skin conditions, they should not be relied upon for self-diagnosis, and a healthcare professional's evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
From the Research
Skin Conditions and Their Diagnosis
- Atopic dermatitis (atopic eczema) is a chronic relapsing and remitting inflammatory skin disease affecting one in 10 people in their lifetime 2
- Psoriasis is a dermatologic disorder that can be treated with topical corticosteroids, such as clobetasol propionate 3, 4, 5
- Oral lichen planus (OLP) is believed to result from an abnormal T-cell mediated immune response and can be treated with corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone acetonate and clobetasol propionate 6
Diagnosis and Treatment
- The American Academy of Dermatology has created simple diagnostic criteria for atopic dermatitis based on symptoms and physical examination findings 2
- Topical corticosteroids, such as clobetasol propionate, are the first-line treatment for atopic dermatitis flare-ups and psoriasis 3, 4, 2, 5
- Combination topical therapy, such as a combination of corticosteroid and vitamin D derivative, can provide a balanced approach to psoriasis treatment 5