Wound Photography

I have lost count of the number of times I have asked or been asked, "Do you have any photos?" when it comes to assessing a wound. A good photo is useful to remind clinicians about wound characteristics, and assist with tracking wound changes.

Wound Photography 

When to take photo (at minimum): 

• Initial assessment

• When there are significant changes (e.g., deterioration or change in configuration) 

• 1x/ month for routine documentation (even if the wound is healing well)  

• Final assessment

  
  

Tips for success:

For each wound: 

• Take 1 photo up close (roughly 8-12” away) 

• Take 1 photo from a distance to include anatomic location  

• Place camera/phone directly over and parallel to the plane of the wound, at a 90-degree angle 

• Take picture with adequate lighting 

• Include measuring strip

• Label picture with patient identifiers, date, time, &c. according to institutional policy

• Avoid flash if possible since the light reflections can alter color appearance 

Remember: 

• Perform hand hygiene, and clean camera before & after handling camera 

• Cover eyes & genital areas when possible 

• Make sure the ‘Live’ feature is off on iPhone  

• Confirm image is clear and the whole wound/lesion is visible  

• Delete clinical photographs from your phone as soon as possible. 

Happy photographing!