Dermatology, one of the most visually oriented fields of medicine, relies on inspection of the skin by a physician trained to perceive and interpret the skin clues to be able to make a diagnosis and demonstrate response to treatment. Clinical photographs are the way records are kept; clinical processes are compared over time, and communication occurs with our colleagues to teach about dermatologic processes and obtain consultations. Such communication needs to be mindful of protecting the patients' right to privacy. Collecting information about patients in the course of conducting research can present unique concerns about maintaining patient privacy and anonymity. While these concerns about research are usually mitigated by submission of research protocols and amendments to those protocols to the institutional review board with the requirement of deidentification of data, case reports and observations do not come under the purview of the institutional review board; thus, it is important for clinicians to understand how to protect the privacy of their patients when publishing case reports.
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