Background and Identification

Skin surface microscopes or dermatoscopes are a medical device that make it possible for dermatologists to inspect for skin lesions . The skin surface microscope is made up of a magnifier, a light source, and contact plate, it will also be attached to a handle—some are battery operated and some are rechargeable.

The device is used to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions as in the example of melanoma.

A dermatoscope can be used with three different modes: Non-polarized light, contact, Polarized light, contact, and Polarized light, non-contact. The polarized light allows for better visualization of deeper skin structures and the non-polarized light allows for visualization of superficial skin.

Additional Information