[Telemedicine and teledermatology (I): concepts and applications].

Telemedicine refers to the use of telecommunications technology to provide health care and medical information. The practice of medicine--and dermatology in particular--is undergoing a great upheaval due to advances in information technology. This article briefly reviews the origin, development, applications, benefits, methodology, and components of telemedicine. Specifically, we will analyze the types and applications of teledermatology, paying particular attention to technical, organizational, and legal aspects.