In June last year, we reported on an interesting new service called Skin Scan, an iOS app designed with a single purpose in mind – keeping track of the size and shape of your moles. You simply snap a picture, load it into the app and it will be analysed. Keep uploading more pictures of the same mole over time, and it promised to track the changes in size and shape to help you understand if there’s anything to be worried about.
Now, however, Skin Scan is no more…it’s rebranded as SkinVision, given its service a makeover, relaunched its iOS app and launched an Android app into the mix too.
The idea behind SkinVision is more or less the same as its previous incarnation – it’s designed to detect early skin conditions through monitoring moles on your body and track your UV exposure on a daily basis. Designed in partnership with a team of dermatologists, the team behind the app hope to revolutionise the way we think about tracking skin health.
While we’re at it, we may as well go straight in and mention the ‘c’ word, as this formed a large part of the pitch – we were told:
“…melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, causing more than 75% of all skin cancer deaths, and a major public health concern. When detected early, survival rates are as high as 95%. However, when detected in later stages, survival rates go down to 15%. Over the last thirty years, rates of malignant melanoma have risen faster than any of the other top ten cancers.”
Given this isn’t really my area of expertise, I shan’t question any part of that statement. But this does lead to an important point, as both the Android and iOS versions cost $4.99, or the local equivalent. So, while they’re not free, they’re not exactly going to cost you the Earth. The cynic in me is whispering that there may be a bit of a fear factor here, which these apps could capitalize on.
However, it seems a lot of work has gone into SkinVision, and the team behind it has worked pretty intensively with medical professionals towards creating this app, so it is worth a look.
It seems there is a database containing more than 100,000 moles, with 4,000 of these reviewed and peer-reviewed by dermatologists. The algorithm in the SkinVision app was developed by a team of dermatologists, mathematicians and computer scientists.
So, the 4,000 moles serve to cross-reference the accuracy of SkinVision’s algorithm and is part of its “ongoing algorithm improvements.” The company also provides tools to promote awareness and education around this topic, and they do encourage people to see a dermatologist.
SkinVision is being sold as “part of your regular health checks”, so the onus is on the usernot to take the word of this app as gospel.
How it works
Through the app, an image of a mole is uploaded to its servers and analyzed in real-time. You snap a photo of the spot using the ‘Analysis’ button, and the app will give you an indication of the severity of the situation.
They key here is the archive feature, which stores and records a spot and tracks it over time. It tells you when you should analyze the mole again, and you can set a reminder to do so.
“We analyze growth on different parameters than size or diameter,” explains CEO Roel Van Summeren. “The core technology consists of skin-pattern recognition using fractal analysis to calculate the fractal dimension of both a skin lesion and its surrounding skin tissue. By calculating the fractal dimension of both the skin and the lesion, the analysis algorithm detects any abnormal growth tendencies or dangerous behavior. The analysis algorithm provides a risk classification, telling the user whether the mole is suspicious or not, and encourages users to see a dermatologist, carefully monitor changes or simply stay alert. It does not provide information on whether the mole is a malignant melanoma or a benign pigmented lesion.”
Indeed, the app does helpfully guide you towards your nearest doctor, should you wish to seek professional advice.
The app has supplementary tools too, such as location-based UV exposure and skin-type assessments which fit more in with the day-to-day aspects of maintaining healthy skin
In terms of compatibility, your camera is obviously key to this working correctly. The current iOS app has been developed for iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s. It does work on other iOS devices, but the analysis algorithm has not yet been optimized for the camera specifications other than these two models.
The Android version is available for all Samsung Galaxy models, HTC One X and HTC Desire, and is being optimised for other models too.
Behind the scenes
Following a funding round which saw PHS Capital join the initial investors, SkinVision changed its company name and moved its offices to Amsterdam. Roel Van Summeren, previously involved in various startups in the consumer health space through Philips Corporate Venturing, joined as CEO and together with Mircea Popa runs SkinVision.
With more than 35,000 users who signed up for the app from its predecessor, SkinScan, Van Summeren tells us it was time to upgrade to a more scalable back-end and create a more engaging user experience.
“Users are now able to approach their stored photos and analysis from their smartphones, tablets, laptops and PCs, and they can check location-based UV exposure or learn about their personal skin type,” he says. “Personalized, easy-to-use and science-based, SkinVision truly allows users to integrate skin health into their lifestyles.”
Image Credit – Thinkstock
Get the TNW newsletter
Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.