Online Skin and Hair Visits With Sesame: What to Know First
Skin and hair problems are rarely "just cosmetic." Acne that leaves your face sore, eczema that keeps you up scratching, a rash that won't settle, or hair that seems to be thinning by the week can affect comfort, sleep, confidence and mood. Yet getting in front of a dermatologist can mean long waits, high costs, or simply feeling awkward about describing your skin in person.
Telehealth services have become one way people try to close that gap. This guide looks at Sesame, an online marketplace for medical visits that includes dermatology, and sets out who it may suit, what to check before booking, and where online care has limits. It is not a review based on personal testing; it is a plain-language buyer's guide to help you decide.
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What Sesame offers
Sesame connects patients with licensed clinicians for online appointments that you pay for directly, without needing insurance. For skin and hair concerns, the service describes the following:
- Online visits with licensed dermatology clinicians
- Appointments that the service says are often available the same day or next day
- The option to share photos of the affected skin or scalp
- A diagnosis and a personalized plan where appropriate
- Prescriptions when the clinician judges them medically appropriate
- Medication delivery in eligible states
- Follow-up appointments
A typical consultation, as Sesame describes it, includes a review of your concerns, photo uploads, questions about your routine and possible triggers, a diagnosis, a care plan, and follow-up recommendations.
Skin and hair concerns people commonly book for
- Acne, including hormonal acne
- Eczema flare-ups and itchy rashes
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea and facial redness
- Dark spots and uneven pigmentation
- Dandruff and other scalp conditions
- Early hair thinning or hair loss
Many of these are long-term conditions that come and go. An online visit can be a practical way to get a starting plan, adjust it over time, or check in when something changes.
Who online dermatology may suit
- People with common, visible conditions such as acne or mild eczema, where good photos can show what's going on
- People facing long waits for in-person specialist appointments
- People without insurance, or who prefer to pay a known fee upfront
- People who feel self-conscious discussing their skin face to face
- Busy people and those in rural areas who find travel difficult
- People needing follow-up on a plan that's already underway
Where online care has limits
Being honest about this matters. Some skin problems really need to be seen and touched in person, and a good online clinician will tell you when that's the case. Online care is usually not the right first step for:
- A mole or spot that is new, changing, bleeding, itching or looks different from your other moles. These need an in-person skin check, as photos can miss important details.
- Rapidly spreading redness, warmth and swelling, especially with fever, which can signal a skin infection that needs prompt care.
- A widespread rash with fever, blistering, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth or eyes. This needs urgent medical attention.
- Swelling of the lips, face or tongue, or trouble breathing, which needs emergency help. Call your local emergency number.
- Sudden, patchy or very rapid hair loss, which may need blood tests and an in-person examination.
- Procedures such as biopsies, mole removal or treatments that require equipment.
What to check before you book
- Your state. Clinicians must be licensed where you are, and medication delivery is only available in eligible states.
- The clinician's credentials. Look at whether you're booking a board-certified dermatologist, a physician assistant, or a nurse practitioner, and choose what suits your needs.
- The total cost. Check the visit fee, any follow-up fees, and the likely cost of prescriptions at your pharmacy, as these are separate from the visit.
- Follow-up. Skin plans often need adjusting after several weeks. Ask how follow-up works and how you'll be able to reach the clinician.
- Records. Ask how your visit notes can be shared with your regular doctor, so your care stays joined up.
- Your health details. Have a list of your medicines, allergies, other conditions, and whether you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, since this affects which options are safe.
Getting the most from an online skin visit
- Take photos in natural daylight, without filters or makeup, from a few angles, including one close-up and one wider shot
- Note when the problem started, what makes it better or worse, and what you've already tried
- Bring a list of products you use on your skin and hair
- Write down your questions in advance
- Be patient with results; many skin plans take several weeks to show a difference, so ask what timeline to expect
Looking after your skin in the meantime
While you wait for a visit, gentle basics help many people: a mild, fragrance-free cleanser, a simple moisturizer, daily sun protection, and avoiding picking or scrubbing irritated skin. Be cautious about trying many new products at once, as it's hard to know which one helps or harms.
Skin, mood and getting support
Ongoing skin and hair problems can affect self-esteem and mental health. If you notice you're avoiding people, feeling low, or spending a lot of time worrying about your appearance, mention it to the clinician. It's a legitimate part of your care.
The bottom line on Sesame
Sesame offers a way to see a licensed dermatology clinician online without insurance, with photo-based visits, prescriptions when appropriate, and follow-ups. It may suit common, visible skin and hair concerns and people facing long waits. It isn't a substitute for in-person care when a mole is changing, an infection is spreading, or a rash comes with fever or blistering. If it sounds right for you, you can book a skin or hair visit on Sesame; it's a convenient option for non-urgent concerns when an in-person appointment is hard to get.
Connect with others
If you'd like to make sense of your symptoms first, try the free ItHurts Pain Check-Up. You can also share experiences in our skin, burns and wound support groups.
This article is general information, not medical advice. If you're worried about your symptoms, talk to a doctor.
Reviewed by the ItHurts editorial team · Last reviewed 18 October 2026 · General information, not medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, talk to a doctor.
