Google to pilot-launch smartphone dermatology diagnosis app

Google is planning to pilot-launch a tool that turns a user’s smartphone camera into a health tool to identify dermatological issues.

Announced at this year’s Google I/O conference in May, the dermatology-assist tool for Android smartphones is powered by artificial intelligence. It asks the user to take three pictures of their concern – either skin, nails or hair – then answer questions relating to symptoms.

The tool then searches a database of 288 skin conditions to give a list of potential causes. The user is shown dermatologist information and answers to frequently asked questions before being prompted to conduct their own further research.

While the tool has received clinical validation in the EU, it is yet to be approved by the FDA for safety or efficacy.

Recent research has found that intermittent fasting can reduce the severity of psoriasis symptoms.