Entodermoscopy: a new tool for diagnosing skin infections and infestations

Abstract

Background: There is upcoming evidence that dermoscopy facilitates the in vivo diagnosis of skin infections and infestations. As such, dermoscopy connects the research fields of dermatologists and entomologists, opening a new research field of 'entodermoscopy'.

Objective: To provide an overview on the current applications of entodermoscopy.

Methods: Systematic review of the English- and German-language literature by searches of Medline, Medscape and abstracts of the 1st World Congress of the International Dermoscopy Society.

Results: Dermoscopic patterns have been described for viral warts, molluscum contagiosum, scabies, pediculosis, tinea nigra, tungiasis, cutaneous larva migrans, ticks and reactions to spider leg spines. Besides the diagnostic role of dermoscopy, there is increasing evidence that it can also assist in the monitoring of treatment efficacy for some of these conditions.

Conclusion: Although most of the current available literature is based on single observations and small case studies rather than controlled trials, an increasing interest in this field can be observed.