Introducing First Derm
First Derm is an iOS app that provides mothers and skin worriers across the world with an on-the-go skincare assessment tool. The tool is used as a first step guidance on skincare concerns within their families, including infants and children. The app works by allowing users to send photos of the externally affected areas of skin to a licensed dermatologist anonymously. The photos are reviewed and assessed within 24 hours of submission by the user.
Personal identification information such as name, email or meta data is not collected and the user is therefore anonymous. The app also has a skin book and geo-location capabilities. For example, maps showing the nearest pediatrician, dermatologist and pharmacy based on the user’s location.
“We know that a large percentage of family doctor visits – about 20% – are skincare related, yet it’s estimated that half of all skincare rashes either disappear or get better within a week, and the many skincare problems can be treated with over-the-counter medication,” said Dr. Alexander Börve, Founder and CEO of iDoc24 and First Derm. “In a time where more and more mothers are using Google search, WebMD and community health portals as a first step in diagnosis for their families, we wanted to provide a more reliable and effective resource to help give peace of mind, and in many cases, a guidance on ‘what to do next’ when that unexpected rash appears”.
The most common skin disorders found among children include atopic dermatitis (eczema), viral warts, childhood acne (milia), Ringworm (Tinea), nevi (moles), dry skin, keratosis pilaris, seborrheic dermatitis, hemangioma and urticaria (hives).
“Self-diagnosis of skincare problems can be difficult, notably for skin disorders in children,” said Dr Börve. “Given that about 90% of any family health issue is taken care of by the mother, this app provides moms the convenience of having a doctor’s first opinion right at their fingertips. This help determine whether the skin disease is serious. For example, it could be an easily treatable disease such as Eczema. Alternatively, it could something more that warrants a trip to the pediatrician or the dermatologist.”
Additionally, the demands on public healthcare are continuously increasing as the population grows older. At the same time, care can be made possible through medical and technological innovation. The development of IT solutions brings about new possibilities. Especially for the individual who pursues easier access to healthcare services.
Furthermore, First Derm is an anonymous process. Once the case is submitted, a dermatologist responds within a 24-hour time frame, but the average response time is within six hours. The answer is general information with a possible diagnosis and possible suggestions for self- treatment when appropriate. It does not create a physician-patient relationship, and is not a diagnosis or a treatment plan, for which your personal physician should be consulted.
The First Derm app is available today as an iPhone version and can be downloaded for free. Users will pay the fee of $39.99 (€29.99 or SEK 260) for each case that is submitted for assessment.
Tags: app, children, dermatology, First Derm, skin
