To not send a photo to the Dr?

[swissrollisntswiss]

DS (4) has a rash around his anus. Very red, with a very clear border. He’s had it for a week now, we’ve tried sudacream but it’s not helped. He’s now complaining that it’s itchy and getting sore. I’ve looked for worms but can’t see any so I’m fairly sure it isn’t that.

After calling the surgery all day I finally get through and I’m told that they can’t see him but to email a photo. I’m not comfortable with this, it feels too private. I’ve sent one when he’s had an eye infection previously, I’m fine with the system but not for this. Is it just me? AIBU?

For full context, I’m not in the UK, I’m British though so not sure if I’m being too British!

Ours says that on e-consult form too. I don't think it's appropriate either!

WhatsApp?
Encrypt the email?

Or just don't take a photo of a child's intimate body part to be emailed to an unknown adult.

You could always take the photo and show the doctor in a face to face appointment rather than stress out ds. That way you can delete it yourself after

It's illegal to send pictures of intimate areas of under 18s. I think they've not thought that through when asking. I guess it's not genitals but I think anything covered by underwear shouldn't be sent via any method.

What is the harm in treating for worms?
It is easy to try that, particularly if you have not treated for worms for months..

Can you do quick on-line face time hook up with Dr able to look for brief time and no copies?

I agree with other suggesting that you encrypt it or get a face to face appointment and show the doctor the photo then.

I work in safeguarding and have to be extremely meticulous in how confidential information is shared so I completely understand your concerns about emailing a photo of your child's private parts. As someone else pointed out, it is technically illegal and even though a doctor's surgery is extremely unlikely to ask for nefarious purposes, I don't know if they are exempt from that law. And it just doesn't sound particularly safe to have pictures of kids private areas sat in inboxes.

It should be deleted afterwards though, not left sat in inbox or outbox. However, I wouldn't send through email - it doesn't seem professional or safe enough. I'd upload through an encrypted medical system via a link that only I and the doctor can access, as mine did with my dc photo (not bum).

Agreed, ours says something similar.

I wouldn’t sent that photo if it was me or my child, I’d say you’re not ok with that and as it’s a more private matter need seeing in person x

GP here. Definately wouldn't ask for a photo of an intimate area - especially not in kids. May be worth trying some canestan cream though while waiting to be seen in person - may be fungal.

That's helpful to know. Thank you. Does seem weird to ask for a photo of a child's genitals! Even if the child can't be identified as the face isn't on the photo - obvs - it still doesn't sit well with me at all! My DC are 30-ish now, and I would never have sent photos of the genitals/vulva via email, when they were children. No way! 😱

If the grown up is your Mum and you know she has dealt with your anus whenever necessary for 4 years, why would you care? Whether he prefers a photo to being poked, only his Mum would know.

This - first sensible comment here.