- Dermatoscopy is a non-invasive technique for the clinical diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions: a simple contact skin-surface microscope with a 10-fold magnification is used; the application of oil makes the horny layer translucent, as a result of which several additional criteria become available for the diagnosis of pigmented lesions.
- The evaluation is based on an algorithm involving asymmetry, border, colour and differential structure; another type of evaluation involves pattern analysis (global assessment, detailed assessment, assessment of the pigment network).
- The evaluation of these criteria requires formal training, after which the diagnostic skills of dermatologists have been found to increase; in non-dermatologists these skills decreased.
- Dermatoscopy has become an indispensible aid in clinical dermatology.