How to Take and Send Photos to Your Doctor
Tips for taking photos
To help your doctor assess your health concern, use these tips to ensure your photos are clear and
useful for your doctor.
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- Take photos in a brightly lit room or in daylight to avoid shadows.
- Avoid using a flash.
- Have someone else take the photo, when possible.
- Hold the phone or camera steady to prevent blurry photos.
- Point the phone or camera directly at the area of concern. Take 2 photos, one from 4 feet away
(distance) and one from 6 inches away (close up). - Draw a dot on either side of the growth with a pen or marker before taking the photo. For rashes
on the hands or feet, take photos that show both sides of both hands and/or both feet
(including fingernails and toenails).
What to include in the message
We suggest you include the following details about your health concern with your attached photos:
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- Location. For example, “right arm between the elbow and the shoulder”
- Size. For example, “about 2 inches wide.”
- Color. For example, “light pink” or “dark red.”
- Duration. How long you’ve had the problem, has it changed over time (size, shape, color).
- Symptoms. Describe briefly. For example, “rash is bumpy and rough, swollen or inflamed,
burning, itching, very sensitive, and painful.” - Attempts at treating. What, if any, home or other treatment you have tried? How successful
were they?
Additional References
• dermoics.com