Dermoscopic Study Of Papulosquamous Skin Diseases

Today dermoscopy is used in the realm of skin infections and infestations (entomodermoscopy), hair and scalp disorders (trichoscopy), nailfold capillary abnormalities (capillaroscopy) and inflammatory skin disorders. Dermoscopic patterns of red dots or globules arranged in a homogeneous, regular or ring-like fashion have been described as common findings in Plaque psoriasis (PP). However, there are limited data available concerning the dermoscopic pattern of dermatitis, pityriasis rosea (PR) and lichen planus (LP); moreover, sporadic cases of dermatitis reportedly show dermoscopic patterns similar to those in PP, namely predominantly red dots. The aim of this study was to determine the dermoscopic patterns associated with PP, dermatitis, LP and PR and to assess the validity of certain dermoscopic criteria in the diagnosis of PP. Dermoscopy reveals a previously unknown morphologic world of structures that can be seen when applying the dermatoscope on any skin lesion or rash. With this new morphologic universe being continuously explored, the dermatoscope gradually acquires an essential role in clinical practice, similar to the stethoscope of general practitioners.