SERVICES
DERMATOSCOPE
What is a dermatoscope?
A dermatoscope is a scope that is used by dermatologists to examine the skin in a procedure called a dermatoscopy. The dermatoscope has several components including special lenses or a magnifier, a focus light that will be projected on the skin, a transparent plate and a liquid medium such as oil, gel or water to eliminate the factor of light reflection.
A dermatoscopy is a non-invasive, in vivo technique that is primarily used for the examination of pigmented skin lesions. It is also used to assess lesions with little to no pigmentation.
When is dermatoscopy used?
A dermatoscope is used in the diagnosis of fungal infections, hair and scalp diseases, pubic lice, scabies and warts. It also allows dermatologists to distinguish benign from malignant tumours, particularly when diagnosing melanoma.
Dermatoscopy helps in diagnosing the following skin disorders:
- Psoriasis
- Lichen planus
- Rosacea
- Molluscum contagiosm
- Scabies
- Head lice
- Viral warts
- Tick infestation
Dermatoscopy may also be used for prognostic evaluation and monitoring of the skin’s response to treatment. It may also be used to monitor suspicious growth on the skin to sure they don’t transform into cancers later on.
How is a dermatoscopy done?
Dermatoscopy requires a high magnifying lens that has a powerful lighting system, and this tool is called a dermatoscope. During a dermatoscopy, Dr Ndongeni will apply a medium such as oil, glycerin or water, on your skin to cover the light from the dermatoscope, scattering on the skin surface. This skin immersion technique makes the skin surface optically homogenous and translucent.
This allows the dermatologist to observe and examine the deeper structures and patterns of your skin. The identification of specific diagnostic patterns due to the distribution of colours and dermatoscopy structures can better differentiate malignant or benign pigmented skin lesions. The use of a dermatoscope provides the dermatologist with valuable aid in diagnosing skin disorders.
What are the advantages of dermatoscopy?
The benefits of dermatoscopy are vast, particularly in skin examinations. It’s a crucial process which involves a thorough inspection of the skin to determine its health.
The procedure should not hurt.
A dermoscopy may take just over ten minutes to complete.
A dermoscopy is reported to have an efficacy of between sixty and one hundred per cent.
