Teledermatology: How to See a Dermatologist Online in 2026
Teledermatology lets you get skin conditions diagnosed and treated online, often from a few photos. Here is how it works, what it can and cannot treat, what it costs, and the services we rank highest.
Quick answer
Yes, this is available online through licensed U.S. telehealth providers after an eligibility review. Our top-rated option is Honeydew (4.5/5), from $25/mo, followed by Curology (4.2/5).
Teledermatology is dermatology delivered online: you share photos and a description of your skin concern, and a dermatologist or dermatology provider reviews it, gives a diagnosis, and prescribes treatment when appropriate. It handles a large share of common skin problems without a clinic visit, and it is one of the fastest-growing areas of telehealth. This guide covers how it works, what it can and cannot treat, what it costs, and which services our editors rank highest.
Where to get it: our top picks
What is teledermatology?
Teledermatology is the use of telehealth to diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail conditions. Because so much of dermatology is visual, a clinician can assess many concerns from good photos and a short history, which makes it well suited to online care. Services range from quick one-time photo reviews to full prescription programs with ongoing follow-up.
How it works: photos vs live video
Most teledermatology is store-and-forward: you upload photos and answer questions, and a provider reviews them and responds within a day or two. Some services also offer live video visits. Store-and-forward is convenient and inexpensive and works well for common conditions, while video helps when a provider needs to ask follow-up questions or watch how a rash changes.
What teledermatology can treat
It handles a wide range of common conditions well: acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, rashes, hair loss, melasma and dark spots, and minor skin infections. Providers can prescribe topical treatments such as tretinoin, oral medication such as antibiotics or spironolactone, and, at the right services, isotretinoin (Accutane) with monitoring. It is also a fast, low-cost way to get a second opinion before deciding whether you need an in-person visit.
When you need to be seen in person
Some things need hands-on care. See a dermatologist in person for a mole or spot that is changing, growing, bleeding, or looks unusual (a possible skin cancer), for a full-body skin check, for anything that needs a biopsy or an in-office procedure, or for a severe or rapidly spreading rash. Photos cannot replace a physical exam or a biopsy, so a good teledermatology service will refer you out when your case calls for it.
What it costs and insurance
Cost depends on the model. Quick photo reviews are often a one-time fee of about $35 to $75. Subscription skincare programs run roughly $30 to $50 a month, with medication included or billed separately. General telehealth platforms that offer dermatology frequently bill commercial insurance, so a covered visit may cost only a copay, and many cash-pay services accept HSA/FSA. Confirm whether medication is included before you subscribe.
How to choose a service
Match the service to your need. For a specific condition and a prescription, choose a dermatologist-led program. For a quick opinion on a rash or mole before an in-person visit, a photo-review service is cheap and fast. For ongoing acne or anti-aging care, a custom subscription works well. Insist on board-certified dermatologist involvement when your issue is medical rather than cosmetic, and on honest referral to in-person care when it is needed.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dermatologist diagnose skin problems from photos?+
Yes, for many conditions. Dermatology is highly visual, so a provider can diagnose and treat common issues such as acne, eczema, and rashes from good photos and a history. Anything that needs a physical exam or a biopsy, such as a suspicious mole, requires in-person care.
What can teledermatology not treat?+
It cannot replace a physical exam or a biopsy. Suspicious or changing moles, full-body skin cancer screenings, in-office procedures, and severe or rapidly spreading conditions need to be seen in person.
Does insurance cover online dermatology?+
Sometimes. General telehealth platforms that offer dermatology often bill commercial insurance, so you may pay only a copay. Many subscription skincare services are cash-pay but accept HSA/FSA. Confirm coverage before booking.
Is teledermatology accurate?+
For common conditions it is well established and accurate when you provide clear, well-lit photos and a complete history. Accuracy drops with poor photos or when a condition truly needs a hands-on exam, which is why good services refer those cases to in-person care.