What treatment options are available in online dermatology?

Table of Content:
How treatment options differ across platforms | FDA-approved medications | Personalized treatments | Video by Dr. Allen about personalized treatments | Flexibility vs Personalization | How Miiskin is different | Why flexibility matters | Choosing the right approach

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When choosing an online dermatologist, one of the most important factors to consider is not just who treats you or how much it costs, but what treatment options are actually available to you.

Different platforms take very different approaches to treatment, and these differences can affect your flexibility, long-term costs, and overall care experience.

How treatment options differ across telehealth platforms

Online dermatology platforms generally fall into two main categories when it comes to treatment.

Some telehealth services focus on standard prescription medications, while others emphasize personalized or compounded treatments.

Understanding how these approaches differ can help you make a more informed decision.

Standard or FDA-approved prescription medications

Some online dermatology services provide treatment through FDA-approved medications that can be picked up at your local pharmacy.

This approach offers:

• Flexibility to choose your pharmacy
• Access to widely used, clinically approved medications
• No requirement to commit to ongoing treatment plans

This model is similar to traditional in-person dermatology and works well for many common skin conditions.

However, it may not always include more customized treatment approaches tailored to your specific needs.

Personalized prescription treatments

Some platforms focus on personalized prescription treatments, often called compounded medications. These are custom-made formulas prepared for an individual patient, often by combining multiple active ingredients into one topical product or adjusting the strength, base, or format of a medication.

In dermatology, compounding has a long history and is commonly used when a commercially available product does not fully meet a patient’s needs, such as when a dermatologist wants a specific combination, concentration, or vehicle for a skin or hair condition. Research reviews note that compounded dermatology products can range from topical creams and ointments to other customized preparations, and may be useful when standard options are not suitable or available¹.

This approach can offer:

• More tailored treatment plans
• Simpler routines, by combining multiple ingredients into one formula
• Greater flexibility based on individual needs

However, there are important considerations. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved as finished products, meaning the FDA does not review each customized formula for safety, effectiveness, or quality before it is dispensed². This does not mean compounded medications are inappropriate, but it does mean they should be prescribed thoughtfully and prepared by a licensed, reputable compounding pharmacy.

Compounding is a well-established part of medical care and can serve an important need when an FDA-approved product is not the right fit for a patient. The FDA notes that compounded drugs may be appropriate when a patient cannot be treated with an FDA-approved medication, such as when a different dosage form or formulation is needed. In dermatology, compounded formulations are commonly used to address specific patient needs that commercially available products may not meet³.

It is also important to understand the difference between the ingredients and the final formula. Many compounded dermatology treatments use active ingredients that are FDA-approved medications or commonly used in dermatology, including off-label use when medically appropriate. What is not FDA-approved is the exact personalized combination, concentration, and formulation made for that individual patient.

Another factor to consider is how these treatments are delivered. On many platforms, personalized treatments are tied to subscription-based models, which may mean patients are enrolled in ongoing monthly plans, medications are shipped automatically, and costs recur even when the patient may not need a refill. Patients should also look at who is reviewing their consultation, since dermatologist-led care may provide a higher level of specialty expertise for skin and hair conditions.

See personalized skincare formulas available through Miiskin →

Dr. Anne Allen, board-certified dermatologist at Miiskin, talks about personalized dermatology medications.

The tradeoff: flexibility vs personalization

Because of these two models, patients are often forced to choose between:

• Flexibility in how they receive and pay for medication
• Access to personalized or compounded treatments

Some platforms offer flexibility but limited personalization. Others offer personalization but require subscriptions and less control over when treatment is delivered.

How Miiskin is different

Miiskin is designed to remove this tradeoff. Instead of forcing patients into one model, Miiskin combines flexibility, personalization, and specialist care. With Miiskin, patients can choose between:

• FDA-approved medications available at any pharmacy
• Personalized treatments delivered through a partner pharmacy

This means:

• No mandatory subscriptions
• Full control over how and when you get treatment
• The ability to adapt your treatment approach over time

All care is delivered by board-certified dermatologists, ensuring that treatment decisions are both medically sound and personalized.

Why treatment flexibility matters

Skin and hair conditions often evolve over time.

What works at one stage may need to be adjusted based on:

• Treatment response
• Side effects
• Changes in the condition

Having flexible treatment options allows for:

• More responsive care
• Better long-term outcomes
• Greater control over both cost and commitment

Platforms that limit treatment options or require ongoing subscriptions may make it harder to adjust your care as your needs change.

Choosing the right treatment approach

When evaluating an online dermatology service, consider:

• Are treatments limited to standard prescriptions?
• Are personalized treatments available?
• Do you need to commit to a subscription?
• Can you choose where and when you will buy my medication?

The right choice depends on your condition, preferences, and how much flexibility you want in managing your care.

The bottom line

Treatment options in online dermatology vary significantly between platforms. Some services prioritize flexibility, while others focus on personalization but require ongoing commitments. Many patients are forced to choose between these two approaches.

Miiskin is designed to offer both, giving patients access to board-certified dermatologists, flexible treatment options, and the ability to choose how they receive care without being locked into a subscription.

Article references:
https://europepmc.org/article/MED/31669439
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/compounding-and-fda-questions-and-answers
https://jcadonline.com/clinical-legal-considerations-in-pharmaceutical-compounding/

Learn more about the use cases of online dermatology

All you need to know about in-person vs virtual dermatology

When is online dermatology a replacement for in-person consultations?

All you need to know about health insurance and online dermatology consultations

Can you keep the same dermatologist for every telehealth visit?