Derm2Check moves beyond one-sided AI skin apps

Derm2Check is the result of a pilot phase of roughly a year, during which experience was built up worldwide with broad digital dermatological care. That practical experience has now been incorporated into a completely renewed platform, which combines AI technology with a free AI Check for users.

From pilot to mature international skin care platform

The past period was defined by learning, testing and improving, with experience gained across all aspects of digital dermatological support: from user experience and technology to international care questions and the connection with dermatological expertise.

This knowledge has been incorporated into Derm2Check, a renewed version of the platform. Alongside an improved user experience, the platform uses AI technology to help people more quickly and more accessibly with questions about their skin.

"The pilot taught us a great deal about what people around the world need when they are worried about their skin," says Dick van Gerwen, dermatologist and co-founder. "With Derm2Check we have developed an online dermatology platform that is not only more advanced technically, but above all better suited to users' needs, because it goes far beyond just a mole scan."

Free AI skin check gives people more insight

An important new feature within Derm2Check is the free Quick AI Check. This lets users obtain an initial orientation around their skin complaint in a simple way.

The AI check does not make a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a doctor. According to the initiators, the tool offers a more focused way to find information about skin conditions than a general search engine or a generic AI platform. The aim is to give users more to hold onto: which information is relevant, which next step may be sensible, and when it may be advisable to consult a dermatologist.

In addition, the technology helps users find suitable dermatological expertise. Factors such as specialism, language, availability and country can be taken into account, so that people can better connect with a dermatologist who fits their situation.

Anyone who needs a medical assessment after the initial AI check can also search directly for a dermatologist via Derm2Check. The platform functions here as an online marketplace for dermatological care: patients can search for officially registered dermatologists and, in doing so, consider criteria such as specialism, language, country and availability. The dermatologists offer their consultations via the platform.

Growing need for accessible skin care

The need for reliable information and quick access to dermatological knowledge is growing worldwide. Skin problems are among the most common health complaints. Each year, an estimated 15 to 16% of the European population seeks dermatological care; that works out to roughly 68 to 72 million people. Because of the growing demand for dermatological expertise, waiting times are rising and many people encounter barriers, such as limited availability of specialists, distance to care or the cost of a consultation.

Awareness around skin health is growing too. Due to more frequent periods of intense heat and prolonged exposure to sun and UV radiation, more and more people are consciously focused on protecting and checking their skin.

Digital solutions such as Derm2Check can play a supporting role here by better informing people and preparing them for possible contact with a healthcare professional. In addition, Derm2Check offers direct access to certified dermatologists, without the waiting times that often form a barrier in regular dermatological care.

Waiting times for dermatological care in Europe rise to five months

The waiting times for a regular consultation with a dermatologist vary widely within Europe and range from a few weeks to several months. In the Netherlands the average waiting time is 3 to 6 weeks, while patients in Belgium wait on average 3 to 4 months (12 to 17 weeks) for an appointment. In Germany and Scandinavia too, patients can expect waiting times of 1 to 3 months for a specialist consultation.

In countries such as France and Spain, waiting times rise further. There, patients within the regular care system wait on average 2 to 4 months and 2 to 5 months respectively for a dermatological assessment. In the United Kingdom the average waiting time via the NHS is around 10 to 12 weeks, with large regional differences.

The differences are caused by factors such as the availability of dermatologists, regional capacity, the structure of the care system and the degree of medical urgency. Although urgent patients are often helped more quickly, patients with non-urgent skin complaints in various European countries can wait months for a specialist assessment. These figures underline the growing need for digital solutions that give patients faster access to dermatological expertise.

Technology supports, dermatologists remain central

Although AI offers new possibilities within care, the expertise of dermatologists remains essential. Derm2Check has been developed as a tool to help people on their way more quickly and to find the right care pathway.

"AI makes it possible to support people worldwide in an accessible way, but the human dimension remains essential: the medical assessment always rests with the dermatologist," says CEO Bert van Gerwen. "Our ambition is to use technology to make the connection between people and dermatological expertise simpler, more personal and more accessible."

Dermatologists can join

Derm2Check is further expanding its international network of dermatologists. Dermatologists who want to help patients online and make their expertise available internationally can register via the platform.