Dermoscopy in Inflammatory Skin Diseases
Summary
Dermoscopy, a non-invasive skin imaging technique originally developed for the evaluation of pigmented lesions, has become an indispensable tool in the assessment of inflammatory dermatoses. By magnifying subsurface structures and vascular patterns, dermoscopy offers real-time visualisation of characteristic morphologies that complement clinical examination and may reduce the need for invasive biopsies. In inflammatory conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus and pityriasis rosea, dermoscopic features—ranging from specific vessel types to scale colour and distribution—provide important diagnostic clues and enable monitoring of therapeutic response. Standardised terminology and pattern recognition frameworks facilitate reproducibility between observers and support comparative studies across diverse skin types. Advances in polarised light technology and image analysis algorithms have improved detection of subtle features, while integration with teledermatology platforms broadens accessibility in resource-limited settings. Globally, dermoscopy is reshaping the paradigm of inflammatory skin disease management by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, guiding targeted treatments and enabling longitudinal follow-up without repeated tissue sampling.
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Dermoscopy in Inflammatory Skin Diseases publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in dermoscopy in inflammatory skin diseases across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Dermoscopy: Non-invasive technique using magnification and light (polarised or non-polarised) to visualise subsurface skin structures.
Erythematous-desquamative: Clinical pattern characterised by redness with overlying scale, common in conditions such as psoriasis and pityriasis rosea.
Papulosquamous: Descriptor for dermatoses that present with scaly papules and plaques, including lichen planus and certain eczemas.
Wickham striae: Fine, white, lacy lines or dots seen on the surface of lichen planus lesions under dermoscopy.
Glomerular vessels: Clusters of rounded or coiled capillaries resembling renal glomeruli, often observed in psoriasis.
References
- Dermoscopy of Inflammatory Dermatoses (Inflammoscopy): An Up-to-Date Overview.. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual (2019).
- The dermatologist’s stethoscope—traditional and new applications of dermoscopy. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual (2013).
- Dermoscopic Features of Psoriasis, Lichen Planus, and Pityriasis Rosea in Patients With Skin Type IV and Darker Attending the Regional Dermatology Training Centre in Northern Tanzania. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual (2019).
- Analysis of dermoscopic characteristic for the differential diagnosis of palmoplantar psoriasis and palmoplantar eczema. Medicine (2021).
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