Dermatoscopy: Alternative Uses in Daily Clinical Practice

June 2011

Giuseppe Micali, Francesco Lacarrubba, Doriana Massimino, Robert A. Schwartz

dermatoscopy videodermatoscopy androgenetic alopecia alopecia areata scarring alopecias rosacea sebaceous hyperplasia pigmented purpuric dermatoses Kaposi's sarcoma actinic porokeratosis xanthomatous neoplasms VD AGA

TLDR Dermatoscopy and videodermatoscopy are useful for diagnosing and monitoring various skin, hair, and nail conditions.

The document from June 1, 2011, reviews the use of dermatoscopy and videodermatoscopy (VD) in clinical practice, emphasizing their utility beyond evaluating pigmented skin lesions. Dermatoscopy allows for magnified in vivo observation of the skin, while VD achieves higher magnifications and image storage for comparison over time. These techniques aid in diagnosing ectoparasitic infestations, cutaneous/mucosal infections, hair and nail abnormalities, and psoriasis. VD is particularly useful in diagnosing hair disorders, with specific signs identified for androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and scarring alopecias. It also helps in diagnosing nail diseases and various skin conditions such as rosacea, sebaceous hyperplasia, pigmented purpuric dermatoses, Kaposi's sarcoma, actinic porokeratosis, and xanthomatous neoplasms. The document concludes that dermatoscopy and VD are valuable for differential diagnosis, prognostic evaluation, and monitoring treatment response in daily clinical practice.

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Research cited in this study

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research Scalp Dermoscopy of Androgenetic Alopecia in Asian People

67 citations, February 2009 in “Journal of Dermatology”

research Dermoscopy: What's New?

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research Clinical Significance of Dermoscopy in Alopecia Areata: Analysis of 300 Cases

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research The Role of Scalp Dermoscopy in the Diagnosis of Alopecia Areata Incognita

150 citations, April 2008 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Scalp dermoscopy is good for diagnosing a type of hair loss and helps choose the best spots for biopsy.

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76 citations, March 2008 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology”

Videodermoscopy can help diagnose and monitor nail bed psoriasis.

research Videodermoscopy in the Evaluation of Hair and Scalp Disorders

304 citations, July 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Videodermoscopy improves diagnosis of hair and scalp disorders and may reduce scalp biopsies.

research Histological Features of Peripilar Signs Associated with Androgenetic Alopecia

95 citations, January 2004 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Peripilar signs can help diagnose androgenetic alopecia and reveal its cause.

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research Dermatoscopy: Alternative Uses in Daily Clinical Practice

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Dermatoscopy and videodermatoscopy are useful for diagnosing and monitoring various skin, hair, and nail conditions.