Dermatology Online Journal

Teledermatology via patient-generated digital images or “selfies” has been increasing since the advent of portable devices capable of high resolution image capture. During these early days, doctors and patients are learning about uses and limitations. We describe a case in which a patient's selfie led three attending physicians to suspect an iatrogenic hematoma requiring urgent assessment. There was no hematoma at follow up, simply dark and smooth adherent crust, which was gently removed to reveal a well-healing wound. This case introduces a previously undescribed teledermatology-related issue, that of “overcalling” a selfie. An image supplied by a patient misleadingly appeared to show a serious complication requiring urgent treatment.