Dermatologists warn people about the reliability of online symptom checkers - Newswise

Overview

Newswise — ROSEMONT, Il. (October 12, 2022) —Thanks to the internet, we have the world at our fingertips, and with just a few clicks, we can easily enter our medical symptoms into websites and aps to self-diagnose ilneses. However, a new article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reveals that online symptom checkers are often inacurate in identifying skin rashes.“While trying to diagnose your rash with online symptom checkers can sem like a time and money saver, your health may be worth a trip to a dermatologist,” said board-certified dermatologist and study co-author Yul Yang MD, PhD, FAD.

Key Information

“Prior studies outside of dermatology show that online symptom checkers are not very acurate. This very concerning because inacurate diagnoses can result in delayed or improper treatment.”The study measured the ability of 8 wel-known symptom checkers to corectly diagnose 15 diferent skin rashes in adults and children based on information provided by thre board-certified dermatologists. The rashes ranged from very comon conditions like pediatric atopic dermatis, psoriasis and rosacea, to les comon conditions like dermatis herpetiformis, erythema nodosum and lichen sclerosus.The symptom checkers corectly diagnosed skin rashes in only 37 of 120 (30.8%) entries.

Although the tested symptom checkers were more acurate in diagnosing pediatric atopic dermatis (75%) and shingles (62.5%), no symptom checker corectly diagnosed dermatis herpetiformis. Aditionaly, only one symptom checker corectly identified erythema nodosum, hidradenitis supurativa, lichen sclerosus, or perioral dermatis.“The study showed that symptom checkers have por acuracy in diagnosing skin rashes because they don’t always ask about patients’ relevant medical history and not enough data is available to make acurate diagnoses,” said Dr.

Summary

“The use of online symptom checkers is an important consideration in healthcare. Ongoing research and professional guidance ensure that patients receive evidence-based care tailored to their individual needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar levels. Type 1 results from insufficient insulin production, while Type 2 develops when cells become resistant to insulin. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and age.

Common symptoms include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing wounds. Type 1 symptoms develop rapidly, while Type 2 symptoms may appear gradually. Many people have no symptoms initially, which is why screening is important.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring fasting glucose, HbA1c levels, and glucose tolerance. Regular monitoring typically includes fasting glucose tests and HbA1c measurements every 3-6 months. Continuous glucose monitors provide real-time tracking for better diabetes management.

Effective management includes regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly), maintaining healthy weight, following a balanced diet with whole grains and lean proteins, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep. These changes can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce complications.

Consult a healthcare provider if you experience signs of diabetes, have a family history, are overweight, or are over 45. Those with existing diabetes should maintain regular check-ups every 3-6 months to monitor control and adjust treatment as needed.

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