NHS Services

Teledermatology consultations

Quick access to specialist dermatology assessment and support.

Introduction to Teledermatology

Our Teledermatology Assessment Service was introduced to the Isle of Wight in July 2019. Each GP Practice is equipped with a Teledermatology Kit, funded by Lighthouse Medical Ltd. This kit includes an iPhone with the Dermicus App and a Dermatoscopic attachment. Instead of sending a letter describing the skin lesion, this service allows GP Practices to securely send high-quality images and Dermatoscopic images to a Dermatology Specialist. Our specialists can assess and triage these images confidently, ensuring patients are booked into the correct clinic based on the required treatment. If the lesion is diagnosed as benign (non-cancerous), we will send an advice letter to the patient explaining the condition.

Advantages of Teledermatology

  • Save the need to travel to a specialist appointment.
  • Quick response to referrals.
  • Effective clinic arrangement based on the Dermatology Specialist’s diagnosis.
The Lighthouse Clinic Teledermatology

Who Reviews the Photos?

The photos sent by the clinician are reviewed by Dermatology Specialists within 72 hours. The Dermatology Specialist will decide on the next steps, which could be:

  • A face-to-face appointment in the Dermatology Department.
  • A biopsy (minor skin surgery procedure) appointment in the Dermatology Department.
  • Referral to another Specialist Department.
  • An advice letter regarding the skin condition and how to look after it.

Patients should receive an outcome within 7 working days. If you have not heard anything within this time, please contact our team on 01983 552590. The GP Practice will also be informed of the decision and advice recommended by the Dermatology Specialist. If the images are unclear, patients will be asked to come in for a face-to-face assessment.

Dermicus App

The Dermicus App is used to capture patient data and images for Teledermatology consultations. It provides patients with reassurance by supporting a fast and secure diagnosis. The app meets all NHS patient data security requirements, ensuring patient data and confidentiality.

Key Data Assurances

  • No patient data or images are stored on the device.
  • All patient data is encrypted to NHS standards.
  • Patient data is only stored in England.

For any questions regarding the Teledermatology Assessment Service, please email the team at iownt.thelighthouseclinic@nhs.net.

HSJ Awards – Primary Care Innovation of the Year

The Lighthouse Medical team was delighted to be shortlisted for the HSJ awards in the category of Primary Care Innovation of the Year for the implementation of the Teledermatology project. The Clinic was runner-up for innovation at these esteemed awards for healthcare service excellence.

The Lighthouse Clinic Award
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Our Treatments

Dermatology treatments we offer

Comprehensive skin care solutions for all your dermatological needs.

Medical Dermatology

  • Acne treatment
  • Eczema & psoriasis management
  • Rosacea treatment
  • Skin infection care
  • Hair loss treatment
  • Nail disorders

Skin Cancer Screening

  • Full body skin examinations
  • Mole mapping & monitoring
  • Skin biopsies
  • Early detection programs
  • Preventative care education
  • Follow-up care

Surgical Dermatology

  • Skin lesion removal
  • Cyst removal
  • Skin cancer surgery
  • Scar revision
  • Mole removal
  • Keloid treatment

FAQ’s

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about our Dermatology services

Dermicus is a secure Teledermatology platform that enables healthcare professionals to diagnose and monitor skin conditions and wounds remotely. It features mobile apps for capturing patient data and a web-based platform for specialist review, supporting faster diagnosis, early skin cancer detection, wound management, and secure medical image sharing.

Healthcare professionals, such as GPs or nurses, use the Dermicus mobile app to capture clinical data and high-quality images of a patient’s skin condition, sometimes with a dermatoscope attachment. This information is securely sent to the Dermicus web platform, where a specialist reviews the data and provides a clinical report and recommendations. No patient information or photographs are stored on the smartphones used to take the images.

A dermatoscope is a handheld, non-invasive medical device with a powerful magnifying lens (usually 10x or more) and an integrated light source. It helps healthcare professionals examine skin lesions in detail, revealing structures and patterns not visible to the naked eye.

Teledermatology, also known as online dermatology, uses digital images and telecommunications to provide specialist advice, diagnosis, and monitoring of skin conditions remotely. This service speeds up diagnoses, especially for suspected skin cancer, and helps manage general skin conditions more efficiently.

  1. GP Consultation/Referral: The patient first consults their GP about a skin concern.
  2. Image Capture: If suitable, a trained healthcare professional takes high-quality photos of the affected area using specialised equipment like a dermatoscope attached to a smartphone.
  3. Secure Transmission: Images and clinical history are securely sent to dermatology specialists.
  4. Remote Review: A consultant dermatologist reviews the information within 72 working hours.
  5. Outcome: The specialist sends a report to the GP and patient, which may include advice, a further appointment, or referral to another specialist.

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