Analytical Teledermatology -Driven Modified Tinea Corporis Score versus In-Person Examination: A Validation Study of Remote Capture, Transfer, Measurement, and Scoring

Abstract Background: The Tinea Corporis Score (TCS) was proposed by Andrea et al . to compare in-person assessments with teledermatology using a double-tracing method. Nihaa-Jabeen et al . introduced the modified TCS (mTCS) using a preset grid. We evaluated mTCS validity in a field setting for patient-assisted teledermatology practice. Aims: To compare preset grid-based mTCS measurements from in-person exams (gold standard) versus patient-sent grid images (PSGI) and assess PSGI quality. Materials and Methods: This comparative, noninterventional validation study spanned 18 months. Of 147 enrolled patients with newly diagnosed tinea corporis, 105 who completed ≥n follow-up were included. Researcher 1 measured lesion area via point counting (as described by Nihaa-Jabeen et al .), erythema intensity (E), and border visibility (B) at baseline. Patients received standard treatment and follow-up at 1 week. Researcher 1 evaluated PSGI, while Researcher 2 performed in-person assessments. PSGI quality was graded. Results: Most PSGI were of fair or good quality ( P < 0.05). Mean lesion area and total mTCS scores differed significantly between baseline and follow-up, baseline and PSGI, and follow-up and PSGI (all P < 0.05). However, the mean lesion area between follow-up and PSGI was not significantly different ( P > 0.05). Conclusion: PSGI-derived mTCS values were comparable to in-person exams. We demonstrate that PSGI capture, transfer, measurement, and scoring enable Analytical teledermatology for follow-up care.