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The following is a summary of “Remote Evaluation of General Skin Diseases using 3D Total Body Photography: An Observer Agreement Study,” published in the June 2024 issue of Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology by Sitaru et al. 

Three-dimensional total body photography (3D TBP) emerged as a novel dermatological technique, proving effective in diagnosing skin malignancies with notable accuracy; however, its usefulness for diagnosing other skin disorders has yet to be established.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to determine the value of 3D TBP in general dermatology and to assess patient acceptance.  

They performed an observer agreement study comparing diagnoses of 294 patients with skin changes obtained during face-to-face visits to diagnoses made through analysis of 3D TBP scans without an in-person evaluation. Additionally, patient opinions on 3D TBP were collected using questionnaires.  

The results showed that primary diagnoses made independently by 2 senior dermatologists reviewing 3D TBP scans matched face-to-face diagnoses in 68.4% and 81.1% of cases, respectively. Patients generally held positive opinions about the technology, though concerns about privacy and feelings of shame were noted as potential barriers.  

Investigators concluded that despite recruitment bias, tele 3D TBP was feasible for diagnosing general skin diseases and showed high acceptance among physicians and patients, warranting further research to define its role in dermatology care amid a declining dermatologist workforce. 

Source: jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(25)02231-5/fulltext