The most useful skin-checking applications allow users to take pictures of their suspicious skin lesions, upload these pictures to a server, the images are first evaluated by an AI algorithm and the results will be later validated by a dermatologist. We introduced several already, check here or here.
Earlier we called these apps an emerging trend, and still stand by this statement. If you are looking for a signature digital health solution, these are great examples, as they:
- address an existing demand
- rely on already existing infrastructure from the patients’ side (e.g.: their mobile phones)
- provide easy and cheap access to patients who otherwise might have difficulties with scheduling dermatology appointments for any reason, like physical distance, insurance problems, anxiety and so on
- allow fast and reliable evaluation of skin lesions, cutting down waiting times
- eliminate unnecessary medical visits, saving time for both patient and clinician
- assist dermatologists, who can check significantly more cases in a given amount of time
We could even conclude that if such a system provides follow-up and access to doctors and treatments should the need arise, these are close to the optimal digital health setup – they filter out non-existing cases and let dermatologists focus on the real issues.
The need for such applications is obvious. Skin cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide: one in five people in the U.S. is expected to receive a skin cancer diagnosis during their lifetime. Early detection and treatment are invaluable: almost all skin cancers (both melanoma and nonmelanoma) can be cured if found and treated early. Prevention and detection are the keys. And of course, everyone should have a skin check done from time to time – but not everyone has the option to have it. That is why these apps were one of our bets for the first real-life applications of AI that will be widely used by patients.
Thus we decided to map out this field and collect the globally available applications for skin diagnostics. Here is what we found.
This infographic displays a wide variety of apps – all dedicated to assisting skin-checking. Most come with built-in AI features, but not all of them.
The ones with a green dot are available on that mobile platform whether it’s Android or iOS.
There are lots of apps, with different capabilities
We collected 15 applications, but these offer widely varying services. Before you commit (pay), make sure you understand what you sign up for. What are the services these apps offer?
- Some are purely for self-tracking – these allow you to take pictures of your moles and allow you to track if they change (MoleMapper, UMSkinCheck)
- Others do the same but are AI-backed, where the algorithm will compare if there is a change in your moles (Miiskin, CUBE)
- There are also differences in what kind of skin problems various apps analyse, many are only “interested” in skin cancer (like SkinVision), while others are capable of diagnosing a wide variety of skin conditions (like aysa or Skinive)
- Yet another difference is if they offer you an evaluation by a human dermatologist, some do (Scanoma, SkinIO or DermaDetect/MyDermafor example), but most apps don’t. Please note, that although the apps offering this service can be downloaded for free, the actual consultation with a licenced dermatologist always comes with a price tag.
Regardless of these – major – differences, it is obvious that apps offering some level of dermatology support are becoming widespread, and there is a major demand for these services.
The post The 2023 Skin-Checking Apps Landscape: Infographic appeared first on The Medical Futurist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alternative Medicine and How Does It Work?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It also encourages people to become informed consumers actively engaged in improving their health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers generally to any form of diagnosis or treatment that does away with allopathic (conventional), medical approaches.
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative treatments are becoming more popular as they’re cheaper and more effective than traditional therapies. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. Other therapies might not work.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. Vitamin supplements, for instance, aren’t controlled like pharmaceuticals. This makes it easy to take too many vitamins. Worse, alternative remedies may contain toxic chemicals.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
Cancer patients often face many challenges as they attempt to overcome their illness. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Cancer patients often seek alternative therapies such as complementary medicine. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It’s easier to manage side effect. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.
What is alternative medicine called?
Alternative medicine is an umbrella term used to describe any approach to healing that differs significantly from conventional medical practice. There are many different forms of alternative medicine. Most are based upon the idea that health care should not be dependent on chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine may include acupuncture, homeopathy or herbalism, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine and reflexology.
Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. These claims can not be supported scientifically as the evidence supporting alternative medicine has been largely ignored by mainstream medical authorities.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is it Evidence-based?
While the evidence base in complementary and alternative medicine remains incomplete, there are many good reasons to choose them. They might have tried conventional therapies but were unsuccessful, or they might want to try alternative treatments because they feel it offers more benefits than the conventional ones. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. If you aren’t sure if a particular treatment is safe or effective, consult your doctor. It will save you time and money over the long-term.
What is the difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicine?
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is based on drugs and surgery. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. This is not a substitute for standard treatment. Rather, it is an option that allows patients to make their own decisions about their healthcare.
Naturopathy on the other side is meant to be used in conjunction with conventional medical procedures. It addresses the whole body and mind as well as the soul. There are many types of naturopathy. These include Ayurveda (Chinese Medicine), Traditional Native American Medicine (TNAM) and Functional Medicine.
It is important to remember that some CAM modalities overlap slightly with conventional medicine. Doctors and naturopaths can both prescribe herbal remedies. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths might prescribe medication if necessary.
There are differences between naturopathic medicines and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths do not usually prescribe medication or diagnose illnesses.
- Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
- Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy stresses prevention and wellness, while offering education on diet and exercise.
- Naturopaths stress the importance of lifestyle factors. This includes nutrition, exercise and stress management.
- Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
- Naturopodists are skilled in providing personalized care that meets the needs of each patient.
- The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario is responsible for licensing Naturopaths.
- Naturopatrists can be licensed by the provincial regulatory agencies.
- The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors has registered Naturopaticians.
- Naturotherapists are licensed by the College of Naturopaths of British Columbia.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners accredits Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
- The concept of “holistic” is a belief that all aspects – spiritual, emotional, and social – should be considered when making decisions regarding one’s health. Holistic doctors will look at all of these aspects rather than just one.
What is the difference between holistic and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person – mind, body, spirit, and soul. It looks at all aspects of an individual’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental factors often overlooked by conventional medicine. Alternative medicine addresses specific conditions, such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, and other ailments.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
webmd.com
How To
How to pursue a career in Holistic Medicine
The field of holistic medicine is growing at an unprecedented rate. This career path can be pursued in many different ways. It is best to return home to school if this is what you desire to do if it is a commitment to your chosen profession.
Several schools offer courses in holistic medicine. One of these schools is the National College for Complementary Medicines, which offers both undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programs. They also have several programs designed specifically for medical professionals who wish to enter the field.
Many online universities also offer classes in holistic health. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition is one such program. This college provides students with many holistic health education tools.
Another option is to go to a traditional four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic healthcare courses. The University of California even offers a Bachelor of Arts in Holistic Health Sciences.
You should take a nutrition course if you want to pursue a career in holistic medicine. NCCM recommends that all students take nutrition courses before embarking on professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.
Because holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms, it requires more knowledge and skill than conventional medicine does. To be able to assess the nutritional aspects of different illnesses, holistic medicine is a must-know subject.
The NCCM reports that nutritionists often consult with doctors to provide nutritional advice to their patients. Some may even recommend diets or supplements that are specific to the patient’s needs based on their assessment.
Holistic practitioners need to be able to understand basic nutrition principles. This includes understanding the nutritional content of foods. It is also about identifying nutrient deficiencies as well as other problems that may cause them.
It’s important to note that not all holistic practitioners specialize in nutrition. Some are primarily focused on herbal treatments while others rely solely upon acupuncture. Others combine both approaches to create a single treatment.
Most holistic practitioners advocate a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and nuts. They recommend eating lots of seafood and fish. They suggest avoiding processed foods and fast food restaurants. Instead, they encourage people to eat organic produce whenever possible.
One thing that holistic practitioners agree upon is that a balanced diet will help prevent disease. However, there are some points they disagree with. They don’t believe gluten is the cause of celiac disease. They think that the disorder can be triggered by a lack or nutrients.
However, they agree that allergic reactions can be triggered by certain foods. Anaphylaxis is caused by shellfish and peanuts, according to them. They warn against too much caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners prefer to use herbs for various conditions, but they don’t recommend the use of drugs. Because they believe that pharmaceutical drugs can only mask the problem, rather than solving it. They prefer natural remedies whenever possible.
In addition to offering a variety of alternative therapies, holistic practitioners tend to employ a number of complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture – In Chinese medicine, this involves strategically inserting needles under the skin. This stimulates your body’s healing system.
- Herbal therapy – In addition to acupuncture, holistic practitioners commonly use herbs to treat various disorders. Ginseng is an example of a common herb that is used for this purpose.
- Homeopathy – Another form of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy is based on the principle of like cures. Let’s say you experience the same symptoms as someone suffering from a specific illness. You should seek the same ingredients in the original remedy.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapy in order to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and stress relief. It is also claimed to improve blood circulation, increase energy levels, and reduce muscle tension.
You should make sure that the practitioner you choose meets your needs. You should look for a nutritionist if you need someone who specializes in nutritional counseling. A practitioner who has been certified by American Association of Oriental Medicine will also be able to teach you more about acupuncture.
Ask your doctor if you have questions about holistic health care before making any decision. To find out what services your insurance covers, you might also want to consult with your doctor.
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This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you’re experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
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By: Andrea Koncz
Title: The 2023 Skin-Checking Apps Landscape: Infographic
Sourced From: medicalfuturist.com/the-2023-skin-checking-apps-landscape-infographic
Published Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2023 08:58:03 +0000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alternative Medicine and How Does It Work?
This approach to healing focuses on prevention and not treatment. It also encourages people to become informed consumers actively engaged in improving their health and well-being.
Alternative medicine refers generally to any form of diagnosis or treatment that does away with allopathic (conventional), medical approaches.
Why is alternative medicine important
Alternative treatments are becoming more popular as they’re cheaper and more effective than traditional therapies. Patients have sometimes died after receiving these treatments. This could be due to allergic reactions or side effects. Other therapies might not work.
If you don’t have enough knowledge about alternative medicines, they can pose a danger. Vitamin supplements, for instance, aren’t controlled like pharmaceuticals. This makes it easy to take too many vitamins. Worse, alternative remedies may contain toxic chemicals.
What are the benefits of alternative treatment methods for cancer patients?
Cancer patients often face many challenges as they attempt to overcome their illness. They might have lost all hope for recovery or feel helpless because there is nothing else they can do. Patients may experience pain, nausea, fatigue, lack of appetite, loss of strength, etc.
Additionally, most traditional treatments do not work against cancer cells. Cancer patients often seek alternative therapies such as complementary medicine. Studies show that almost half of them use alternative medicines at least once during treatment.
Complementary medicine is often chosen by cancer patients over chemotherapy. It’s easier to manage side effect. They may also prefer it because it is less expensive.
These are just a few of the reasons why you might want to consider them:
Some patients believe that natural remedies can help prevent a recurrence.
Many people believe that natural remedies can improve the quality of life.
Others believe that natural remedies may reduce the chance of getting cancer.
For those concerned about possible side effects of chemotherapy, natural remedies can be used as first-line therapy.
What is alternative medicine called?
Alternative medicine is an umbrella term used to describe any approach to healing that differs significantly from conventional medical practice. There are many different forms of alternative medicine. Most are based upon the idea that health care should not be dependent on chemical medicines.
Alternative medicine may include acupuncture, homeopathy or herbalism, naturopathy, traditional Chinese medicine, osteopathic manipulation, traditional Chinese medicine and reflexology.
Many alternative doctors claim that their therapies have improved patient satisfaction and reduced side effects. These claims can not be supported scientifically as the evidence supporting alternative medicine has been largely ignored by mainstream medical authorities.
Complementary and Alternative Healthcare: Is it Evidence-based?
While the evidence base in complementary and alternative medicine remains incomplete, there are many good reasons to choose them. They might have tried conventional therapies but were unsuccessful, or they might want to try alternative treatments because they feel it offers more benefits than the conventional ones. Alternately, they may look into complementary and alternative medicine as part of a holistic approach for health. It is vital that patients verify that all complementary and alternative medicines are supported by scientific evidence. If you aren’t sure if a particular treatment is safe or effective, consult your doctor. It will save you time and money over the long-term.
What is the difference between Naturopathic and Holistic Medicine?
The two main types of medicine are conventional medicine and complementary/alternative medicine. Conventional medicine is based on drugs and surgery. Complementary/Alternative Medicine (CAM) uses natural therapies such as herbs, vitamins, acupuncture, and massage to treat illness and promote health. This is not a substitute for standard treatment. Rather, it is an option that allows patients to make their own decisions about their healthcare.
Naturopathy on the other side is meant to be used in conjunction with conventional medical procedures. It addresses the whole body and mind as well as the soul. There are many types of naturopathy. These include Ayurveda (Chinese Medicine), Traditional Native American Medicine (TNAM) and Functional Medicine.
It is important to remember that some CAM modalities overlap slightly with conventional medicine. Doctors and naturopaths can both prescribe herbal remedies. Naturopaths, however, tend to recommend lifestyle changes rather than prescription medication.
Naturopathy is often called “complementary” because it complements conventional medicine, not supplants it. Naturopaths might prescribe medication if necessary.
There are differences between naturopathic medicines and other CAM modalities.
- Naturopaths do not usually prescribe medication or diagnose illnesses.
- Naturopaths work with the patient’s family physician and may refer outpatients to specialists if necessary.
- Naturopathic doctors are licensed by the provincial licensing boards. CAM practitioners, however, are self-regulated.
- Naturopathy stresses prevention and wellness, while offering education on diet and exercise.
- Naturopaths stress the importance of lifestyle factors. This includes nutrition, exercise and stress management.
- Naturopharmacists focus on the use of minerals and botanicals to treat certain conditions.
- Naturopodists are skilled in providing personalized care that meets the needs of each patient.
- The College of Naturopathic Physicians of Ontario is responsible for licensing Naturopaths.
- Naturopatrists can be licensed by the provincial regulatory agencies.
- The Canadian Association of Naturopathic Doctors has registered Naturopaticians.
- Naturotherapists are licensed by the College of Naturopaths of British Columbia.
- The United States National Board of Medical Examiners accredits Naturobiotic therapists.
- The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency licenses homeopaths.
- The concept of “holistic” is a belief that all aspects – spiritual, emotional, and social – should be considered when making decisions regarding one’s health. Holistic doctors will look at all of these aspects rather than just one.
What is the difference between holistic and alternative medicine?
Holistic medicine treats the whole person – mind, body, spirit, and soul. It looks at all aspects of an individual’s health, including physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and environmental factors often overlooked by conventional medicine. Alternative medicine addresses specific conditions, such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, and other ailments.
Statistics
- In the 17% in which they disagreed, a third reader agreed with one of the initial readers to set a rating. (en.wikipedia.org)
- category.[111]Edzard Ernst characterized the evidence for many alternative techniques as weak, nonexistent, or negative and in 2011, published his estimate that about 7.4% were based on “sound evidence.” However, he believes that may be an overestimate. (en.wikipedia.org)
- An assessment of conventional treatments found that 41.3% concluded positive or possibly positive effects, 20% concluded no effect, 8.1% concluded net harmful effects, and 21.3% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The use of alternative medicine in the US has increased, with a 50 percent increase in expenditures and a 25 percent increase in the use of alternative therapies between 1990 and 1997 in America. (en.wikipedia.org)
- These studies found that 38.4% concluded positive or possibly positive effects for CAM (12.4%), 4.8% concluded no effect, 0.7% concluded harmful effects, and 56.6% concluded insufficient evidence. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
liebertpub.com
cam.cancer.gov
doi.org
webmd.com
How To
How to pursue a career in Holistic Medicine
The field of holistic medicine is growing at an unprecedented rate. This career path can be pursued in many different ways. It is best to return home to school if this is what you desire to do if it is a commitment to your chosen profession.
Several schools offer courses in holistic medicine. One of these schools is the National College for Complementary Medicines, which offers both undergraduate degrees and postgraduate programs. They also have several programs designed specifically for medical professionals who wish to enter the field.
Many online universities also offer classes in holistic health. The Institute of Integrative Nutrition is one such program. This college provides students with many holistic health education tools.
Another option is to go to a traditional four-year college. Many colleges offer holistic healthcare courses. The University of California even offers a Bachelor of Arts in Holistic Health Sciences.
You should take a nutrition course if you want to pursue a career in holistic medicine. NCCM recommends that all students take nutrition courses before embarking on professional training. It is important to understand nutrition science in order to practice integrative medicine, according to the NCCM.
Because holistic medicine focuses on treating the whole person rather than just focusing on symptoms, it requires more knowledge and skill than conventional medicine does. To be able to assess the nutritional aspects of different illnesses, holistic medicine is a must-know subject.
The NCCM reports that nutritionists often consult with doctors to provide nutritional advice to their patients. Some may even recommend diets or supplements that are specific to the patient’s needs based on their assessment.
Holistic practitioners need to be able to understand basic nutrition principles. This includes understanding the nutritional content of foods. It is also about identifying nutrient deficiencies as well as other problems that may cause them.
It’s important to note that not all holistic practitioners specialize in nutrition. Some are primarily focused on herbal treatments while others rely solely upon acupuncture. Others combine both approaches to create a single treatment.
Most holistic practitioners advocate a healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables and nuts. They recommend eating lots of seafood and fish. They suggest avoiding processed foods and fast food restaurants. Instead, they encourage people to eat organic produce whenever possible.
One thing that holistic practitioners agree upon is that a balanced diet will help prevent disease. However, there are some points they disagree with. They don’t believe gluten is the cause of celiac disease. They think that the disorder can be triggered by a lack or nutrients.
However, they agree that allergic reactions can be triggered by certain foods. Anaphylaxis is caused by shellfish and peanuts, according to them. They warn against too much caffeine.
Many holistic practitioners prefer to use herbs for various conditions, but they don’t recommend the use of drugs. Because they believe that pharmaceutical drugs can only mask the problem, rather than solving it. They prefer natural remedies whenever possible.
In addition to offering a variety of alternative therapies, holistic practitioners tend to employ a number of complementary methods. These include:
- Acupuncture – In Chinese medicine, this involves strategically inserting needles under the skin. This stimulates your body’s healing system.
- Herbal therapy – In addition to acupuncture, holistic practitioners commonly use herbs to treat various disorders. Ginseng is an example of a common herb that is used for this purpose.
- Homeopathy – Another form of traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy is based on the principle of like cures. Let’s say you experience the same symptoms as someone suffering from a specific illness. You should seek the same ingredients in the original remedy.
- Massage therapy – Many holistic practitioners offer massage therapy in order to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and stress relief. It is also claimed to improve blood circulation, increase energy levels, and reduce muscle tension.
You should make sure that the practitioner you choose meets your needs. You should look for a nutritionist if you need someone who specializes in nutritional counseling. A practitioner who has been certified by American Association of Oriental Medicine will also be able to teach you more about acupuncture.
Ask your doctor if you have questions about holistic health care before making any decision. To find out what services your insurance covers, you might also want to consult with your doctor.
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