Asynchronous Teledermatology for Non-Scarring Alopecia: A Retrospective Study

This retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness of asynchronous teledermatology in diagnosing and managing non-scarring alopecia, including conditions like alopecia areata (AA), androgenetic alopecia (AGA), telogen effluvium (TE), and traction alopecia (TA), within the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center network. Analyzing 321 cases from 2022 to 2023, the study found that AA was the most common diagnosis (59.5%), and a definitive diagnosis was made remotely in 91.3% of cases, with only 8.7% requiring in-person follow-up. The study highlighted the potential of teledermatology to improve access to dermatologic care, especially for underserved populations, with significant engagement from Black (22.7%) and Asian (12.9%) patients. Future research should focus on patient satisfaction, long-term outcomes, and strategies to expand teledermatology access.