Selfies can help people cure skin problems such as eczema without even the need of visiting their dermatologist.

The use of portable devices such as smartphones and tablets has increased drastically in the last few years. These devices are usually equipped with rear-facing as well as a front-facing camera, which gives its users to take pictures with ease. Many people take their own images, more commonly known as selfies, and post them on various social media websites. However, taking selfies can also have a medical benefit as users can use their selfies to get advice on their skin problems.

April W. Armstrong from the University of Colorado, Denver, who is also the lead author of the study, explains that an online system for the treatment of eczema (atopic dermatitis) may equally be able to treat patients when compared to people who physically visited their dermatologists.

The study was conducted over 12 months on 156 children and adults who had eczema and also had access to digital cameras, computers and the Internet. The study involved 78 participants visit their dermatologists, while the rest communicated with their dermatologists online. The online patients used to send images of their skin conditions to the experts online. The dermatologists evaluated this skin condition by looking at the images only, recommended treatments and also prescribed medicines.

The study found that after about a year, the difference between the total percentages of patients getting a clearance or near-clearance from their dermatologists in both the groups was not significant. Just over 38 percent of patients who received online care and about 44 percent who visited their dermatologist in person received a clearance or near-clearance.

"As with any novel health services delivery models, comparative effectiveness studies investigating health outcomes are critical to evaluate these new models in an evidence-based approach," says Armstrong.

The evolving technology is being welcomed greatly in the health services. Dermatologic field is experiencing a high demand and with the changing healthcare system more people may have increased access with improved outcomes. The research is promising for people who live in rural areas and those having transportation problems. Sitting back at home they can get advice from experts about their skin issues.

The study has been published in the journal JAMA Dermatology.