Dermatitis refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions affecting over 200 million people globally. It can be classified in various ways, such as by cause (e.g., allergic contact dermatitis, photosensitive dermatitis), clinical appearance (e.g., discoid dermatitis, hyperkeratotic dermatitis, and pompholyx), or site of predilection (e.g., hand dermatitis, eyelid dermatitis, or lower leg dermatitis). Dermatitis is common, affecting about one in every five persons at some stage in their life. It is not contagious and does not indicate that the skin is unclean or infected.
What are the Basics of Dermatitis?
Common types include atopic dermatitis (eczema), contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and nummular dermatitis. Each type has distinct features and triggers. For instance, atopic dermatitis is often seen in children and is associated with a family history of allergies, while contact dermatitis can affect anyone exposed to irritants or allergens.
The condition can occur at any age and is not limited to specific age groups. Risk factors vary depending on the type of dermatitis. For example, atopic dermatitis is more common in individuals with a family history of dermatitis, hay fever, or asthma, and in females. Contact dermatitis is more likely to occur in individuals exposed to chemicals in workplaces like factories, restaurants, or gardens. Dermatitis typically begins with symptoms like itchiness and redness.
The location on the body where dermatitis appears depends on the type. For example, atopic dermatitis can occur anywhere on the skin but is commonly found on the hands, inner elbows, neck, knees, ankles, feet, and around the eyes in teens and adults. Seborrheic dermatitis and cradle cap usually affect the scalp, face, and ears.
How does a Dermatoscope Work?
A dermatoscope is a medical device used in dermatology to examine skin lesions. It typically consists of a light source and a magnifying lens. IBOOLO DE-3100 dermatoscope is composed of four lenses in three groups, which achieves a clear 10X magnification. More importantly, it features multiple lighting modes to meet various needs. Non-polarized light is used to observe the texture of the epidermis; polarized light is mainly used to observe the morphology from the epidermis to the dermis and within the dermis; amber polarized light is primarily used for lesions in individuals with darker skin lesions.
When using the DE-3100, users can directly observe the skin lesions with the naked eye. At the same time, they can also connect the dermatoscope to a smartphone via the universal phone clip included in the kit for observation, and save images and videos.
What are the Dermatoscopic Features of Dermatitis?
Under dermatoscopy, dermatitis typically presents with features such as erythema, scaling, and vesicles. The specific patterns vary depending on the type of dermatitis. For example, in allergic contact dermatitis, the dermatoscope can reveal well-defined erythema and vesicles. In seborrheic dermatitis, yellowish scales and a greasy appearance may be observed. These features help dermatologists make an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan. Dermatoscopy can also show subtle features like the arrangement of blood vessels, the presence of follicular peppering, and the extent of scaling, which provide additional clues for diagnosis.
How to Perform a Dermatoscopy for Dermatitis?
Before performing dermatoscopy, the patient should be in a comfortable position, and the lesion area should be cleaned to remove dirt and oils. Adequate lighting is essential for observation. The dermatoscope should be gently placed on the lesion, avoiding excessive pressure to prevent deformation. During observation, attention should be paid to details such as the color, shape, distribution, and symmetry of the lesion.
And skin cancer is the most common cancer globally. Regular dermatoscopy helps detect early signs of skin cancer, such as subtle changes in moles, freckles, or skin patches. Early detection means more treatment options and better outcomes, as treatments can be less invasive and more effective when started early. Therefore, after the diagnosis of Dermatitis is confirmed by dermoscopy, it is important to go to the hospital for follow-up if the lesions continue to expand in size, as well as if they continue to itch.
How Does Dermatoscopy Compare to Other Diagnostic Methods?
Compared to traditional visual inspection, dermatoscopy provides a more detailed and magnified view of the skin lesion, allowing for the identification of subtle features that may not be visible to the naked eye. While skin biopsy offers histological confirmation, it is invasive and may cause discomfort and complications for the patient.
Dermatoscopy provides a non-invasive alternative. And it can also be used to monitor the response to treatment over time, providing valuable feedback on the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions. Its ability to visualize subsurface structures without causing trauma to the skin makes it particularly useful for conditions where preservation of skin integrity is important. In summary, dermatoscopy strikes a balance between non-invasiveness and diagnostic precision, making it an indispensable tool in the field of dermatology.