DOI: 10.4103/ijd.ijd_285_26 ISSN: 0019-5154

Analytical Teledermatology -Driven Modified Tinea Corporis Score versus In-Person Examination: A Validation Study of Remote Capture, Transfer, Measurement, and Scoring

Hydrose Nileena, Shiva P. Chandana, Garehatty R. Kanthraj, Shankar B. Ashwini, Padubidri K. Ashwini, Santhebachalli G. Chethana, Shastry Veeranna
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Abstract

Background:

The Tinea Corporis Score (TCS) was proposed by Andrea et al . to compare in-person assessments with teledermatology using a double-tracing method. Nihaa-Jabeen et al . introduced the modified TCS (mTCS) using a preset grid. We evaluated mTCS validity in a field setting for patient-assisted teledermatology practice.

Aims:

To compare preset grid-based mTCS measurements from in-person exams (gold standard) versus patient-sent grid images (PSGI) and assess PSGI quality.

Materials and Methods:

This comparative, noninterventional validation study spanned 18 months. Of 147 enrolled patients with newly diagnosed tinea corporis, 105 who completed ≥n follow-up were included. Researcher 1 measured lesion area via point counting (as described by Nihaa-Jabeen et al .), erythema intensity (E), and border visibility (B) at baseline. Patients received standard treatment and follow-up at 1 week. Researcher 1 evaluated PSGI, while Researcher 2 performed in-person assessments. PSGI quality was graded.

Results:

Most PSGI were of fair or good quality ( P < 0.05). Mean lesion area and total mTCS scores differed significantly between baseline and follow-up, baseline and PSGI, and follow-up and PSGI (all P < 0.05). However, the mean lesion area between follow-up and PSGI was not significantly different ( P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

PSGI-derived mTCS values were comparable to in-person exams. We demonstrate that PSGI capture, transfer, measurement, and scoring enable Analytical teledermatology for follow-up care.

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