How Accurate Are Those Dermatology Apps?
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Sean Gallup/Getty Images(AURORA, Colo.) — With nearly 40 million people in the U.S. using mobile apps, medical apps are popular. But doctors and authors of a study published in JAMA Dermatology warn not all of the information provided by these apps may be accurate.
A group of dermatologists recently investigated the variety of dermatology apps available: there are 229 available for purchase or free download. Most had general dermatology references — 61 apps (26.6 percent). There were also apps for self-diagnosis (41 apps, 17.9 percent), disease guides (39 apps, 17 percent), education aids (20 apps, 8.7 percent), and sunscreen recommendations (19 apps, 8.4 percent). There were even eight apps for teledermatology (3.5 percent), whereby skin pictures can be sent to board-certified dermatologists for review.
The most reviewed app, with 355 reviews, is a UV-index checker that provides sun protection recommendations. A slight majority (51.1 percent) of derm-related apps were geared toward patients. The rest targeted docs and health-care providers.
The study authors warned that while many are prepared by medical professionals from institutions like Mayo Clinic and the University of Michigan, the authorship of many other apps was not made clear. There is currently no FDA regulation for these types of mobile apps, and studies have revealed high inaccuracy in ones that are supposed to diagnose skin lesions.
Ultimately, when it comes to medical advice at your fingertips, it’s important to know who is putting the smarts in your smartphone. Might as well use the cell to call an actual doctor while you’re at it.
Copyright 2013 ABC News Radio