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First Derm

by First Derm · Based in United States → — Online Dermatology Consultation by Board-Certified Dermatologists Fast and anonymous skin evaluations by board-certified dermatologists. No appointments, no travel, no hassle.

Dermatology

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Starts from $34.95 / £24 / €19.99

Documentation ProvidedRegulatory Status Disclosed

Overview

First Derm, developed by iDoc24 Inc., is an AI-powered platform designed to assist in the initial assessment of skin conditions. It offers an AI skin image search engine that analyzes uploaded photos to suggest possible skin conditions. This functionality can serve as a valuable preliminary step for patients, providing them with information that can better inform their discussions with primary care physicians or guide them toward appropriate specialist care.

Beyond its AI capabilities, First Derm provides direct access to board-certified dermatologists for professional review. Patients can upload images and describe their symptoms, receiving expert advice and next steps typically within 48 hours. This feature allows physicians to potentially recommend the service to patients for quick, anonymous consultations, which can help triage cases, reduce unnecessary in-person visits for minor concerns, or offer a convenient option for second opinions.

The platform emphasizes anonymity and ease of use, requiring no account creation for consultations. It has been operational globally since 2014 and has served over 250,000 users worldwide, demonstrating its established presence and reach in the telehealth dermatology space. For physicians, understanding such tools can enhance patient guidance and optimize referral pathways.

First Derm is accessible via both web and dedicated mobile applications, ensuring broad availability for patients. While the AI provides initial suggestions, the definitive medical advice comes from the board-certified dermatologists, aligning with best practices for patient care.

Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist

Key Features

AI-powered skin image analysis
Suggestions for possible skin conditions
Consultations with board-certified dermatologists
Anonymous consultation option
Fast response times (within 48 hours)
Global availability
Mobile app (iOS & Android)
Secure photo upload

Use Cases

Initial remote assessment of skin conditions for patients
Providing preliminary information to patients before a physician visit
Guiding patients on whether an in-person visit is necessary
Obtaining a second opinion on dermatological concerns
Patient education on common skin conditions
Facilitating access to dermatology specialists

What Physicians Need to Know

Evidence Base

First Derm's foundation is rooted in teledermatology research, with its founder, Dr. Alexander Bu00f6rve, having conducted early studies on mobile health services and teledermoscopy for skin cancer referrals since 2009. The platform is described as a 'research supported product employing accredited dermatologists'. Its AI-powered 'Skin Image Searchu2122' is built on years of collaboration between clinicians and data scientists, utilizing training data from millions of images and thousands of verified dermatology cases.

Clinical Validation Studies

Early pilot studies demonstrated the effectiveness of mobile health services in teledermatology. First Derm claims its teledermoscopy offers diagnostic accuracy comparable to face-to-face visits for suspected skin cancer lesions. A one-year study involving over 1500 patients showed accurate and timely triage of skin cancer lesions, potentially reducing referral waiting times by weeks. The AI (Autoderm) has demonstrated clinical-level precision in analyzing moles and other skin changes. While the AI app's accuracy for common conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis is cited at approximately 70-80%, it notes limitations related to image quality and diverse skin tones. First Derm states its human dermatologists achieve over 90% accuracy in their assessments.

Differential Diagnosis Support

This is a core feature. Board-certified dermatologists provide a 'suggested diagnosis' and 'likely skin condition' based on submitted images and patient details. The AI-powered 'Skin Image Searchu2122' offers 'possible conditions' by comparing uploaded photos against a vast database of verified dermatology cases, acting as a preliminary differential diagnosis tool.

Guideline Update Frequency

First Derm conducts monthly audits of almost all cases to ensure high standards, implying continuous review and potential updates to their internal knowledge base and dermatologist practices. The AI models are trained on extensive and evolving datasets, though a specific update frequency for the AI itself is not publicly detailed.

Clinical Workflow Integration

First Derm is utilized by national health services, such as NHSx, for triage purposes by doctors. It enables physicians to submit cases anonymously and receive expert opinions within hours, streamlining the referral process and potentially reducing unnecessary in-person visits. A 'Partner Program' is available for primary care providers and health websites to integrate and offer specialized dermatology consultations.

Decision Audit Trail

Each case submitted receives a unique 8-digit case number for retrieval, and all cases are securely stored on First Derm's servers. The platform performs monthly audits of cases to maintain high standards, indicating an internal logging and review process for decisions. The service maintains user anonymity, with no account creation or personal identifiable information required for case submission.

Physician Tip

Leverage First Derm for rapid, expert dermatological opinions, especially for initial assessment and triage of unclear skin conditions, which can help prioritize in-person visits and guide patient management. Utilize the tool's differential diagnosis support, noting that the AI provides 'possible conditions' for preliminary insights, while human dermatologists offer 'likely conditions' and actionable guidance. Remember that First Derm provides informational advice and recommendations for over-the-counter treatments or referrals, but does not issue prescriptions. The anonymity feature can be beneficial for patient privacy, but physicians should consider how to integrate the insights into their comprehensive patient records.

First Derm offers a 'Partner Program' designed for integration with primary care providers and health websites, allowing them to seamlessly offer specialized dermatology consultations to their patients or audience. The 'Skin Image Searchu2122' AI also provides an API for developers and medical organizations, facilitating broader integration into various digital health ecosystems. While direct EMR/EHR integration specifics for individual physician practices are not extensively detailed, modern dermatology EMRs are increasingly designed for interoperability with teledermatology platforms.

At a glance

Pricing Starts from $34.95 / £24 / €19.99

Deployment Web, Mobile App

Visit site

Details

Category	Clinical Decision Support & Reference, Dermatology AI, Telehealth & Virtual Care
Pricing	Starts from $34.95 / £24 / €19.99 Consultations for adults, teens, and children start at $34.95 Fees vary based on selected response time (e.g., 8, 24, or 48 hours) In Europe, pricing is €19.99 for 48-hour, €30.99 for 24-hour, and €54.99 for 8-hour responses
Free Trial	Unknown
Deployment	Web, Mobile App
Mobile App	Yes
API Available	Yes
Languages	English, Spanish, Italian, French, Swedish, Simplified Chinese, Norwegian, German (available in 7 languages and over 160 countries)
Training	Unknown
Target Size	not applicable
Compliance
BAA Available	Unknown AI-estimated
HIPAA Compliant	Yes AI-estimated
FDA Status	Yes AI-estimated Their AI dermatology powered Skin Image Search™ is a Class 1 medical device. The human dermatologist consultation service itself is not a medical device requiring FDA clearance.
GDPR	Yes AI-estimated
Integrations
EHR	Not specified
Specialties	Dermatology

Social Proof

Customers	Over 250,000 users worldwide (over 300,000 cases checked)
Notable	not applicable

Support & Reliability

Training Provided

Unknown

What the Web Says

First Derm is an online dermatology platform that connects users with board-certified dermatologists for skin condition evaluations. Users submit photos and descriptions of their concerns and receive a professional opinion and recommendations for next steps, often including over-the-counter treatments. The service is praised for its convenience, speed, and ability to provide peace of mind without the long wait times and costs associated with in-person dermatologist appointments.

Overall: Positive

Strengths

Convenient and easy to use, allowing consultations from home.
Fast response times, often quicker than the selected timeframe (e.g., 12 hours for a 24-hour request).
Provides peace of mind and reduces worry about skin concerns.
Offers professional opinions from board-certified dermatologists, not AI.
Can save time and money by potentially avoiding unnecessary in-person doctor visits.
Effective for identifying conditions and recommending over-the-counter treatments (over 70% of cases).

Limitations

Some users on Reddit found the service expensive for what it offers, especially since it doesn't provide prescriptions.
One review mentioned a lack of notification for a response, requiring the user to check the app.
The service provides general information and guidance, not a formal diagnosis or treatment plan, and recommends follow-up with a doctor for personalized advice.
Concerns about the app's accuracy for rare skin disorders or diverse skin tones due to potential training data limitations have been raised in discussions about AI in dermatology.
Some users on Google Play were surprised by immediate payment requirements after submitting data.
Reddit discussions about in-person dermatology visits highlight issues like short consultation times and doctors pushing specific treatments (e.g., Accutane) without thorough discussion, which, while not directly about First Derm, reflects general frustrations with dermatology care that First Derm aims to address.

Based on reviews from: First Derm (firstderm.com), Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Forbes, CNET, Reddit (r/SkincareAddiction, r/tretinoin, r/tressless), Dr.Oracle

Last updated: 2026-08-12

Ratings & Reviews

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Press & Coverage

First Derm

Early Detection of Skin Cancer with First Derm: Life-Saving Online Screening Program

A 30-month project by the Charles SLBG Foundation and First Derm provided free online skin cancer screenings to over 3000 individuals in the UK, identifying 43 cases of melanoma and potentially saving lives and healthcare costs.

2024-10

First Derm

Top 10 Skin Conditions Reported on First Derm: Teledermatology Consultation Insights

This article provides insights into the top 10 skin conditions reported on First Derm, highlighting how the platform identified 84 different skin conditions, including 66 cases of potentially life-threatening cancers, and prevented 802 unnecessary consultations.

2024-07

First Derm

Contact Dermatitis - Online Dermatology - First Derm

First Derm provides information on contact dermatitis, its symptoms, causes, and treatments, emphasizing the platform's commitment to accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date dermatology information based on peer-reviewed studies.

2024-05

PMC (PubMed Central)

Technology innovation to reduce health inequality in skin diagnosis and to improve patient outcomes for people of color: a thematic literature review and future research agenda - PMC

This literature review discusses technology innovation to reduce health inequality in skin diagnosis for people of color, mentioning First Derm's Skin Image Search as an application used globally to increase expert skin information availability.

2024-05

First Derm

Mpox Outbreak - First Derm

First Derm reports on the Mpox outbreak being declared a global health emergency by WHO, discussing the spread of the disease, its severity, and efforts to expedite vaccination availability.

2024-09

Medical Device Network

First Derm's teledermatology platform prevents unnecessary clinician visits

A report analyzing First Derm's teledermatology platform found that it identified 74 skin cancers and prevented 802 unnecessary consultations in the first six months, highlighting its role as a triage tool.

2023-05

First Derm

AI in dermatology from a Foundation Year One's perspective - - First Derm

This article provides a junior doctor's perspective on AI in dermatology, assessing larger research studies and discussing the future of AI in the field, with a mention of First Derm.

2021-07

American Spa magazine

First Derm Launches Skin Disease Search Engine - American Spa magazine

First Derm launched Autoderm, a new AI-powered search engine on Telegram that identifies 43 common skin diseases from a picture, providing immediate results and further information.

2020-08

Videos

Product demos, reviews, and walkthroughs for First Derm.

First Dermatology Appointment: What to expect| Dr Dray

Dr Dray

First Derm - Your Online Dermatologist - How it Works

First Derm - Online Dermatology

First Derm REVIEW | Checks Skin Cancer, Moles, Eczema, etc...

GregglesTV

How much sun can I get? - Dr. Marcus Conant - First Derm

First Derm - Online Dermatology

Melanoma Prevalence and Prevention - Dr. Marcus Conant - First Derm

First Derm - Online Dermatology

Sun Exposure & Your Skin - Dr. Marcus Conant - First Derm

First Derm - Online Dermatology

View all on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

How does First Derm integrate into a physician's existing workflow for dermatological consultations?

First Derm allows patients to submit images and descriptions of their skin concerns to board-certified dermatologists for expert evaluation. Physicians can utilize this service as a triage tool, receiving a likely condition identification, guidance on next steps, and recommendations for over-the-counter treatments or a necessary in-person visit, thereby streamlining referrals and potentially reducing unnecessary appointments.

What are the HIPAA compliance measures and data security protocols employed by First Derm to protect patient information?

First Derm emphasizes patient anonymity, allowing users to submit cases without creating an account or revealing personal identifiable information (PII). While the platform focuses on this anonymity, general HIPAA compliance for dermatology practices involves robust administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to protect Protected Health Information (PHI), including secure electronic communication and regular risk assessments.

How does First Derm compare to other teledermatology platforms or traditional referral pathways in terms of diagnostic accuracy and efficiency?

First Derm differentiates itself by utilizing human board-certified dermatologists for evaluations, rather than solely relying on AI, which some research suggests can be more accurate than AI-only diagnostic tools. Teledermatology platforms, including First Derm, generally offer high diagnostic accuracy, with concordance rates to in-person diagnoses often around 76%, and can significantly reduce waiting times compared to traditional referral pathways.

What is the cost structure for physicians or their patients when utilizing First Derm services?

For patients in the US, First Derm's consultation fees range from $34.95 for a 48-hour response to $69.99 for an 8-hour response, while in Europe, prices vary from u20ac19.99 to u20ac54.99. The service is typically cash-pay, though it does accept HSA and FSA insurance.

What are the key limitations of First Derm in terms of the types of dermatological conditions it can effectively diagnose or manage, and when should a direct referral be prioritized?

First Derm provides expert evaluations for a wide range of skin concerns but is primarily an informational service and does not establish a patient-doctor relationship. Direct in-person referrals are recommended for conditions requiring diagnostic tests like biopsies, urgent or severe skin issues such as rapidly spreading infections, or complex cases with atypical symptoms that necessitate a physical examination.

What is the reported diagnostic accuracy of First Derm's AI or dermatologist network, and how is this validated?

First Derm explicitly states that its evaluations are performed by human board-certified dermatologists with over 10 years of experience, not by AI. Research generally indicates that human dermatologists are superior to AI for diagnostic accuracy. Teledermatology, when performed by specialists, has shown high diagnostic concordance with in-person diagnoses, often around 76%, and can effectively triage cases.

How does First Derm facilitate follow-up care or ongoing management of conditions once an initial assessment is provided?

First Derm provides guidance on immediate next steps, which may include recommendations for over-the-counter treatments or advice to seek an in-person consultation with a local dermatologist. However, it is not designed for long-term management or prescription fulfillment, and chronic conditions requiring ongoing assessment and personalized treatment adjustments would necessitate traditional in-person follow-up care.

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