Dermatology Apps Inconsistent, Not FDA Approved, Says JAMA Study

The recent glut of AI-fueled dermatology apps claiming to help consumers diagnose, track or treat skin conditions actually lack supporting evidence and don’t offer input from clinicians or dermatologists, according to a study published in JAMA Dermatology.

Researchers from the medical schools at the University of California, Los Angeles, New York University, Washington University and Stanford University, as well as researchers from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center scrutinized 41 English-language dermatology apps available in the Apple and Android stores in November and December 2023, finding that their performance was inconsistent and that none had gained approval from the FDA.

The apps also lacked transparency in algorithm development, data usage and user privacy, said the authors. “Although AI dermatology mobile apps hold promise for improving access to care and patient outcomes, in their current state, they may pose harm due to potential risks, lack of consistent validation, and misleading user communication,” said the researchers.

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