Dermoscopy is a technique for evaluating the subsurface of the skin and diagnosing affected areas and lesions. The process uses a handheld instrument known as a dermatoscope. While it may sound invasive, it is in fact a non-invasive procedure. Dermoscopy involves the use of light, magnification and color to create a detailed image of the skin and its sublayers. It can provide much more detail than a dermatologist might get from a visual inspection alone.
Dermoscopy is used in the diagnosis of skin conditions such as sun damage and skin cancer. It can identify areas of concern that are not yet visible on the skin and provide more detail on a visible skin lesion. A dermatoscope can also be used to help a dermatologist identify the difference between benign and malignant growths related to melanoma.
