Virtual doctors’ appointments have been becoming increasingly common for a while as they help to make healthcare more convenient.^[1][2] With COVID-19 part of all of our lives now, a virtual appointment could be an ideal solution for some situations, in particular by reducing the risk of infection caused by close contact.^[3][4] If you can’t get to your doctor, for whatever reason, you may not need to abandon your appointment – you might be able to have one in the comfort of your living room instead, sometimes via a video call facility like FaceTime or Skype.^[2][5]

6 ways to make a virtual consultation work for you:

• Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed.⁶
• Make notes beforehand with anything you’d like to discuss - be specific about your concerns, symptoms and questions.⁶
• Send through pictures of your skin, and if possible, photos of how it might have changed.^[5]67
• Try to take pictures in bright, natural light, without makeup, and from a few different angles.⁶
• Be prepared to answer questions about your medical history.⁶⁷
• Stick to any advice or instructions that you’re given.⁶

Although you may still need to see a healthcare professional in person, a virtual consultation could give you what you need, including advice, peace of mind and a treatment plan.^[2]6

If you have concerns about COVID-19 and receiving biological or immunosuppressant treatment, EUROPSO, the European umbrella organisation for psoriasis movements, states that this is not an at-risk group for developing severe forms of coronavirus.⁸ They ask that patients don’t make changes to treatment regimens without speaking to a healthcare professional.⁸ Please visit their website for more information.