Dermoscopy of Skin Infestations and Infections (Entomodermoscopy) – Part I: Dermatozoonoses and Bacterial Infections
November 2021
in “
Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia
”
dermoscopy scabies pediculosis tungiasis cutaneous larva migrans disseminated strongyloidiasis demodecidosis leprosy syphilitic alopecia folliculitis skin infestations skin infections head lice flea infestation migrating larvae strongyloidiasis demodex mites Hansen's disease syphilis-related hair loss hair follicle inflammation
TLDR Dermoscopy is effective for diagnosing various skin infestations and infections.
The document discusses the use of dermoscopy, a noninvasive diagnostic technique, for identifying skin infestations and infections, including zoodermatoses and bacterial infections. Dermoscopy has shown high sensitivity (91%) and specificity (86%) in diagnosing scabies, and can differentiate nits from keratin debris in pediculosis, and identify anatomical elements of the flea in tungiasis. It can also aid in diagnosing conditions like tungiasis, cutaneous larva migrans, disseminated strongyloidiasis, demodecidosis, and leprosy by revealing specific visual cues. Dermoscopy can also help identify specific features of syphilis, including syphilitic alopecia, and diagnose folliculitis with an accuracy of 72%. The document concludes by emphasizing the importance of dermoscopy in diagnosing a range of skin conditions and the need for further scientific exploration in this area.
