The photography of patients

Abstract

Patient photography may be of value for a variety of reasons. Such photographs may be used to support a tentative diagnosis, or may serve as a starting point for a whole series of photographs documenting the course of a disease or accident. They can be used for diagnostic purposes, but may also influence the medical decision taken in a departmental conference with respect to further treatment and choice of method. The photographic illustration of the history of the patient’s condition can sometimes tell us more than any detailed description. All this serves to underline the significance of patient photography for purposes of instruction and further training.