Introduction to dermoscopy

Dermoscopy, also called dermatoscopy, epiluminescence microscopy, and surfa ce microscopy, is a noninvasive technique allowing magnified examination of pigmented lesions of the skin. By using an illuminated handheld microscope with oil applied to the skin surface, light reflection is reduced, renderi ng the stratum corneum translucent. This translucency allows detailed visua lization of the structures contained within the epidermis, dermoepidermal j unction, and papillary dermis, all of which are not visible to the naked ey e.