Online Dermatology Consultation Market - Forecasts from 2024 to 2029

The online dermatology consultation market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.96% from a market size of US$4.13 billion in 2022 to reach US$7.52 billion in 2029.

Online dermatology consultation offers a cutting-edge approach to providing dermatological treatments, extending assistance to remote locations equally, and enabling dermatologists or primary care doctors to aid patients by referring them to local dermatology centers.

There are two primary methods for conducting teledermatology in real-time: store-and-forward techniques and video conferencing technology. With store-and-forward, patients submit their medical history, concerns, and high-quality photos of the affected area(s) through a secure online platform.

Dermatologists then review this information at their convenience and send back a diagnosis, treatment plan, and recommendations, typically within 24-48 hours. On the other hand, in real-time consultations, patients schedule a specific appointment time for a video call. During the session, dermatologists can examine the affected area in real-time, ask questions, and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Another modality involves a combination of store-and-forward and real-time elements, where patients initially submit information asynchronously, followed by a real-time video consultation for further evaluation. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence for preliminary analysis of patient photos or providing basic information and triage services is also observed.

The market for online dermatology consultation is driven by the adoption of investments and teledermatology services in the telemedicine sector. Rising trends in online education and remote consulting, along with increased investment in R&D programs for the development of several preventive online dermatology services, also contribute to its growth. These factors collectively contribute to the online dermatology consultation market expansion.

Market Drivers:

Growing rates of skin conditions:

The demand for the online dermatology consultation market in North America and Europe area is expanding as a result of the rising prevalence of skin disorders brought on by an aging population and a lack of dermatologists. As a result, patients must wait nearly a month for their dermatologist visit. According to the American Cancer Society, only 1% of skin cancer cases are melanoma, yet it causes the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.

Rising shortage of dermatologists per million population

One of the key elements encouraging the expansion of the online dermatology consultation industry is the drop in dermatologists per million people. Dermatologists are in short supply, even in some developed countries, which results in lengthy patient wait periods and slow response times. Dermatologists will use telemedicine over the anticipated duration to give patients access to dermatological therapy, which is fueling the online dermatology consultation industry growth.

Expansion of Telemedicine

The increasing adoption of telemedicine across various healthcare fields is facilitating the broader acceptance and successful utilization of online dermatology consultations. According to ITU estimates, approximately 5.4 billion people, accounting for 67 percent of the world's population, were using the Internet in 2023.

In India, 99% of the population was covered by a mobile-cellular network as of 2022, with mobile-cellular subscriptions reaching 81 per 100 inhabitants in the same year. These statistics underscore the extensive penetration of Internet and mobile network services among the population, thereby driving the advancement of telemedicine and digital diagnosis.

Cost-effectiveness

Cost-effectiveness is a notable advantage of online consultations over traditional in-person visits, particularly for initial consultations or follow-up appointments related to non-urgent concerns. This is attributed to the reduced time and resources typically required from the dermatologist's side during online consultations.

Market Restraint:

Data compliance and technical issues as major restraints

The act of disclosing sensitive medical data online raises significant apprehensions regarding the privacy and security of such information. To alleviate these concerns and foster confidence among patients, it is imperative to implement robust security protocols and adhere strictly to data protection regulations.

Moreover, not all dermatologists possess the necessary comfort level or resources to conduct consultations efficiently in an online environment. This limitation can result in a shortage of qualified healthcare providers, particularly in certain geographical regions.

Online dermatology consultation market segmentation by application into skin care, hair care, and others

The online dermatology consultation market is segmented by application into various categories, including skin care, hair care, and others. Skincare encompasses a broad spectrum of skin-related conditions and issues for which patients seek consultations.

Hair care involves the early identification of causes for hair loss, assessment of scalp health, and recommendations for suitable hair care practices and products. Other categories include consultations for nail concerns, sexual health-related dermatological issues, and cosmetic dermatology inquiries.

North America is anticipated to hold a significant share of the online dermatology consultation market market

Throughout the projected period, North America is anticipated to maintain its significant position in the global market. Numerous healthcare institutions have quickly adopted and started using online platforms, which will encourage market development across Canada and the US.

Furthermore, it is projected that a strong U.S. government and growth in key firms like MDlive and DermatologistOnCall would propel the North American market during the projection year.

The second-largest region, Europe, is predicted to account for a sizable percentage of the global market. High-growing countries like Germany, the UK, Italy, and France would contribute to the market expansion in Europe, which is anticipated to result in a faster rate of online dermatology consultation market growth.

Market Developments:

• April 2023- MedX Health Corp. unveiled a Memorandum of Understanding signalling the initiation of an innovative commercialization pilot initiative (the "Pilot Project”) in collaboration with PharmaChoice Canada. PharmaChoice boasts a network of over 1000 independent pharmacy proprietors and operators under its PharmaChoice and RxHealthMed banners, making it one of the nation's most rapidly expanding pharmacy groups.
• April 2023-  JD Health launched its online skin hospital, providing easy and reliable healthcare solutions for a wide range of skin conditions to 1.2 billion people in China. The telemedicine service was designed to address various skin issues, from minor ailments and chronic conditions to the early detection of serious illnesses, through online consultations and expert advice for complex cases.
• September 2022-  The new "MCI Dermatology Connect platform," a technical platform, was introduced in Ontario by Oro Health Technology, a Canadian telemedicine technology firm, in collaboration with MCI Onehealth Inc., a Canadian healthcare technology business. 

Market Segmentation:

By Modality

• Store-and-forward
• Real-time
• Others

By Application

• Skin Care
• Hair Care
• Others

By End-User

• Healthcare Facilities
• Homecare

By Geography

• North America
• USA
• Canada
• Mexico
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Others
• Europe
• Germany
• France
• UK
• Spain
• Others
• Middle East and Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Israel
• Others
• Asia Pacific
• China
• Japan
• India
• South Korea
• Indonesia
• Thailand
• Others