http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-21045623



Words fail me.

I can see the benefit of these apps. If they were more accurate then people might actually go to see their doctor, but with the problems many have getting to their doctor it seems like an alternative.

The problem is that assessing lesions is more than just looking at it. It's also taking a history. The only way to accurately diagnose a skin lesion is via a skin biopsy.

Yes there is looking at the cell nuclei in a microscope to see if they are irregular when dyed. That is the only definite way to tell, but if these apps give advance warning of irregular moles then it can make people take positive action to do something about it. Especially if they use the camera to show any possible changes by comparing images. Though I do see the downside is that it can make people complacent.

In other news Voodoo may predict winning lottery numbers.