Three-Dimensional Total Body Photography Enhances Skin Disease Diagnosis: Study
A new study by Inés Gracia-Darder and colleagues, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (2025), highlights the clinical value of three-dimensional (3D) tiotal body photography (TBP) in dermatology. The research shows that 3D TBP not only improves the diagnosis and monitoring of skin cancer but also helps accurately identify a wide range of other skin conditions. Unlike traditional two-dimensional imaging or teledermatology that use photos or videos, 3D TBP captures high-resolution, full-body images with spatial detail, allowing clinicians to visualize the skin in a more complete and realistic way.
The study found that integrating 3D imaging into dermatologic assessments improves lesion detection accuracy, supports early diagnosis, and enhances patient understanding through visual tracking of skin changes. Dermatologists can use these 3D models to view the full skin surface, zoom into lesions, and compare changes over time. This approach also enhances telemedicine, allowing remote consultations where doctors can examine skin in depth without in-person visits. The results suggest that 3D TBP could serve as a valuable tool alongside, or even beyond, standard photo-based teledermatology methods.
From a clinical perspective, this technology could change how dermatologists track and diagnose various skin conditions. Patients at high risk of melanoma or those with chronic diseases like eczema and psoriasis could benefit from more accurate, consistent, and accessible assessments. The research emphasizes that 3D TBP provides standardized image quality and reduces diagnostic differences between clinicians, making it a potential game-changer for skin health monitoring. Wider use of this technology in clinics and teledermatology platforms may lead to earlier detection, better disease management, and improved patient outcomes.
Keywords: three-dimensional imaging, total body photography, dermatology, skin cancer, teledermatology, diagnosis, imaging technology
Reference:
Gracia-Darder, I., Fernandez-Figueras, M. T., Alós, L., & Puig, S. (2025). Three-dimensional total body photography enables comprehensive assessment of skin cancer and other dermatologic diseases. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 93(6), 1189–1198. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2025.10.012
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