TLDR Ultrasound is a useful, non-invasive tool in dermatology for diagnosing skin conditions and guiding treatments, but it has some limitations.
High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) is a non-invasive, cost-effective imaging technique with high axial resolution, useful in dermatology for diagnosing and managing various skin conditions. HFUS, operating at frequencies of ≥15 MHz, allows for detailed visualization of skin layers and is effective for evaluating benign and malignant tumors, nail pathology, inflammatory dermatoses, and guiding aesthetic procedures. Color Doppler ultrasound extends its utility by visualizing blood flow, which is helpful in assessing tumors and inflammation. The review suggests standardized protocols for ultrasound use in dermatology, including a minimum frequency of 15 MHz and at least 300 skin examinations per physician annually to maintain proficiency. Ultrasound has limitations, such as not detecting very small lesions. It is especially beneficial for pediatric patients, reducing the need for skin biopsies. In hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) patients, ultrasound changed management in 82% of cases and is also highly sensitive and specific in identifying active morphea. Ultrasound can reduce the need for biopsies, particularly in pediatric, nail, and hair disorders.
6 citations,
January 2019 in “Journal of dermatology” Immune checkpoint inhibitors used in cancer therapy can cause hair loss, and understanding this can help manage the side effect.
30 citations,
June 2015 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Ultrasound shows 80% of Hidradenitis Suppurativa patients have abnormal hair tracts that may worsen the condition.
129 citations,
June 1999 in “Archives of Dermatology” African Americans have less hair density than whites.
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309 citations,
May 1993 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Horizontal scalp biopsy sections effectively diagnose and predict MPAA, with follicular density and inflammation impacting hair regrowth.
July 2023 in “IntechOpen eBooks” New treatments for alopecia areata show promise, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness.
January 2025 in “Diagnostics” The study demonstrates the potential of three-dimensional high-frequency ultrasound (3D-HFUS) as a noninvasive tool for dermatological evaluations, particularly for inflammatory hair loss diseases like alopecia areata and lichen planopilaris. It provides detailed images of skin structures, improving visualization of tumor margins and hair follicle densities, which are crucial for diagnosis and disease activity assessment. The study involved 10 healthy volunteers and several cases of skin conditions, showing that 3D-HFUS correlates well with histopathological findings and could reduce the need for invasive biopsies, although further data is needed for broader clinical use.
August 2023 in “Diagnostics” Ultra-high-frequency ultrasound effectively evaluates the impact of hyaluronic acid fillers in reducing nasolabial fold wrinkles over time.
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November 2024 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Early treatment can reverse hair loss from dermal fillers.
December 2024 in “Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology” Psoriasis worsens in winter in India due to less sunlight and dry skin, needing personalized treatment.
