Dermascope Pore Image Analysis
Dermatoscopy refers to the examination of skin by dermatologists and skin care professionals using a dermatoscope (also known as dermoscope and dermascope), which typically consists of a magnifier and a light source. The newest dermatoscopes feature bright LED lights around the edge of the magnifying mirror. Does this Spark an idea?
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How It Works
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Dermatologists commonly use dermatoscopes to detect melanoma, in addition to increasingly using the tool to assess other skin conditions and analyzing pores. Dermatoscopes have a fixed head with one or more lenses to magnify the skin, with a light source inside the head or around the edge. Dermatologists often use an alcohol or oil solution between the magnifying lens and skin to reduce light scatter and glare, while improving visibility and clarity. She can then see through the stratum corneum, which is the bottom of the outermost layer of skin, for a detailed view of structures within skin that are often invisible to the naked eye.
Facts
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When using dermatoscopy software in conjunction with dermatoscopes, dermatologists can map out pore diameter for patients and recommend a course of treatment. For example, if the dermatologist determines pore size is large, he can prescribe a treatment regimen to counteract the excess sebum and inflammatory acne that can occur in patients with large pores.
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Considerations
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In 2010, approximately one quarter of U.S. dermatologists offer skin examination with a dermatoscope, according to dermatoscopes.com, so it can be difficult to locate a physician that provides the service. While more advanced dermatoscope models can be cost-prohibitive for small dermatology offices, Skin Care Physicians indicates it is a reliable tool for getting a closer look at skin and identifying suspect lesions and melanoma.
Cost
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A basic dermatoscope can cost around $300, while more advanced versions, particularly those capable of creating digital images, can cost several thousand dollars. A dermatologist can evaluate the needs of his practice and select the appropriate dermatoscope tool accordingly.
Future
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Hair, and not skin, may be the future of dermatoscopes. Special software can count hair density, diameter and growth rates, though dermatologists will continue to use the scopes to detect skin lesions and melanoma in patients.
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