Teledermatology: How to Take Appropriate Photos for an Online Appointment

Along with completing the contact form, it is recommended that an appropriate photograph of the condition be submitted prior to an online appointment.

General Photography Tips

The following general tips apply to all clinically relevant photos submitted prior to an appointment.

• Photos should be taken in an area with good lighting. The flash feature should not be used.
• The zoom feature is not recommended, as it lowers image quality. To focus, the screen should be tapped on the target area.
• Selfies should be avoided where possible.
• Poor lighting, blurry images, and busy backgrounds should be avoided regardless of the condition being photographed.

Distance and Close-Up Photos

Two types of photos are generally required: distance photos and close-up photos.

• Distance photos are used to establish location and provide an overview. All photos should be taken against a solid or white background.
• Close-up photos should focus on two to three representative spots. The photo should be taken from approximately six inches away, with the spots kept in focus and framed within the screen. A ruler should be used to indicate the relative size of the affected area.

Photos of the Face, Shoulders, Back, and Chest

Photos of the face should be taken from three angles: right, front, and left. If the shoulders, back, or chest are affected, photos of those areas should be included as well.

Hair and Scalp Concerns

For hair and scalp concerns, the involved scalp should be exposed, and a comb or pencil should be used to reveal spots in dense areas. For close-up photos, the scalp should be kept in focus. Redness and flaking should be captured where possible. Blurry images, an insufficiently exposed scalp, and poor lighting should be avoided.

High-quality photos assist the dermatologist in determining a diagnosis more efficiently and support the delivery of excellent care.