How can virtual care address skin concerns

Skin concerns are one of the top three reasons TELUS Health Virtual Care users initiate an on-demand consultation. Our in-house dermatologist supports our clinicians so that you can get expert care quickly. We asked dermatologist Dr. Julia Carroll five common skincare questions:

1. What kinds of dermatology issues can be addressed and treated virtually?

New rashes and inflammatory conditions such as acne and rosacea often lend themselves very well to virtual consults. Today’s camera-enabled devices tend to give us an excellent view of skin issues, so we can diagnose and treat many concerns as if the patient were in the same room.

2. About three million Canadians experience rosacea chronically¹. Can rosacea sufferers get help using virtual care?

Absolutely. We see quite a number of rosacea patients using TELUS Health Virtual Care, and our clinicians support them with advice on skincare and avoiding things that trigger flare-ups. Our clinicians can also provide prescriptions for medication, which can help control rosacea in some patients.

3. Can a TELUS Health clinician help me review and improve my skincare regimen?

Yes. Clinicians can give general skincare advice, and they can also leverage my dermatology advice to help patients bridge the often long wait times to see a dermatologist in person. Whether it be a minor skin irritation or a more complex issue, our clinicians can provide advice according to your personal medical history.

4.  What's the best treatment for cracked or sore hands if regular hand cream isn't working?

Try washing your hands with a hydrating facial cleanser in lieu of traditional hand soap to add moisture, then immediately apply a thick hand cream. For added moisture, apply hand cream before bed and sleep with gloves on.

5. What is the current verdict on sunscreen? Is mineral sunscreen safer than chemical sunscreen? Should Canadians wear it year-round? Is a higher level of SPF always better?

Sunscreen is an important part of a sun protection strategy. I advise wearing at least an SPF 30 every day to help prevent skin cancer and mitigate the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet light. Both mineral and chemical sunscreens currently sold in Canada are safe – it’s really a personal preference. And yes, higher SPF numbers do mean better protection.

Support is available 

If you have skin concerns, it may be worth speaking with someone.  With TELUS Health Virtual Care, you can speak directly with a registered nurse who can assess your concerns before connecting you with a nurse practitioner.

Written in consultation with Dr. Julia Carroll, dermatologist.

 References:

¹Canadian Dermatology Association. (2016). “Rosacea: Living with Rosacea.”