Guidance Provided for Dermatologists Photographing Skin of Color

WEDNESDAY, April 16, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- In a special communication published online April 16 in JAMA Dermatology, recommendations are provided for the use of digital photography by dermatologists, with special considerations for skin of color.Madison Grinnell, M.D., from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in Omaha, and colleagues examined best practices for capturing clinically accurate dermatologic digital images, emphasizing techniques to improve photography portraying individuals of color, dermatologic conditions in skin of color, and pigmentary disorders.The authors note that historically, different kinds of photographic technologies have calibrated color correction using participants with light skin, creating inaccurate photographs among those with skin of color. Royal blue backgrounds are often preferred in photographing darker skin, as this color offers increased contrast, without resulting in aberrant hues. When possible, soft diffuse lighting, such as that emitted from an attachable ring light, should be used. Other aspects of photography should be standardized in the clinical setting to include a fixed distance from the patient and dedicated photography space. Specific lighting techniques, such as cross-polarization, may be used in accurately capturing erythema, inflammation, and pigmentary alterations. In addition, several humanistic aspects should be considered when photographing a patient's dermatologic condition."As the U.S. population rapidly diversifies, it is important to increase awareness of photography techniques that can better portray dermatologic processes in diverse skin types," the authors write.One author disclosed ties to the biopharmaceutical industry.Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required).Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter

Guidance Provided for Dermatologists Photographing Skin of Color

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