Telehealth in Dermatology Post-COVID-19: Trends and Technologies

The COVID-19 pandemic brought teledermatology into routine clinical practice at an unprecedented pace, but its role beyond the circumstances that prompted its widespread adoption remains less clearly defined. This narrative review examines the evolving place of teledermatology in post-pandemic dermatological care, with particular attention to patterns of acceptance among patients and physicians, modes of delivery, technological developments, clinical applications, and barriers to sustained implementation. A structured literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, and the available evidence was synthesized according to the principal clinical and technological domains of teledermatology. The literature indicates that remote care is particularly well suited to triage, longitudinal follow-up, and the management of selected chronic and inflammatory dermatoses. Teledermoscopy extends its potential to the assessment of suspicious lesions and skin cancer pathways, although the inability to perform a complete physical examination, obtain tissue for histopathology, and reliably evaluate lesions from inadequate images remains an important constraint. Synchronous and asynchronous models offer distinct advantages, while hybrid approaches may provide greater flexibility by combining image-based assessment with direct patient–physician interaction. Recent developments in artificial intelligence may further improve image quality assessment, disease evaluation, and patient prioritization, although their place in routine practice remains to be established. Beyond diagnostic performance, the long-term viability of teledermatology will depend on secure digital infrastructure, appropriate reimbursement, regulatory clarity, and equitable access to technology. Taken together, current evidence supports teledermatology not as a replacement for conventional dermatological examination but as a complementary mode of care whose value depends on appropriate patient selection and thoughtful integration into clinical pathways.