Dermatoscopy: alternative uses in daily clinical practice

Abstract

Dermatoscopy, also known as dermoscopy, epiluminescence microscopy, or surface microscopy, is a noninvasive technique allowing rapid and magnified (× 10) in vivo observation of the skin with the visualization of morphologic features often imperceptible to the naked eye. Videodermatoscopy (VD) represents the evolution of dermatoscopy and is performed with a video camera equipped with lenses providing higher magnification (× 10 to × 1000). Over the past few years, both dermatoscopy and VD have been demonstrated to be useful in a wide variety of cutaneous disorders, including ectoparasitic infestations, cutaneous/mucosal infections, hair and nail abnormalities, psoriasis, and other dermatologic as well as cosmetologic conditions. Depending on the skin disorder, both dermatoscopy and VD may be useful for differential diagnosis, prognostic evaluation, and monitoring response to treatment. Nowadays, it represents an important and relatively simple aid in daily clinical practice.