Dermoscopy for Nurse Practitioners

Abstract

ABSTRACT Dermoscopy refers to the examination of skin by use of a dermatoscope. These devices provide a practical, noninvasive, painless, and incredibly detailed view of the skin. When used in the hands of a trained clinician, dermoscopy significantly increases diagnostic accuracy. Although most known for its role in pigmented lesion assessment, dermoscopy use has expanded to include the evaluation of nonpigmented lesions, conditions of the hair (trichoscopy), infestations (entomodermatoscopy), nail disease (onychoscopy), and cutaneous inflammatory disease (inflammatoscopy). Studies suggest that dermoscopy is valuable as it increases sensitivity for skin cancer detection. This is especially important in the setting of melanoma as it accounts for most skin-cancer-related deaths. Overall, utilization enhances diagnosis, prompts treatment, reduces morbidity and mortality, and increases healthcare cost-effectiveness. This article is written with the intent to inform dermatology nurse practitioners about this innovation. It may additionally serve as a useful resource for other advanced care providers who perform cutaneous assessment. Examples of such clinicians may include, but are not limited to, urgent care providers, pediatricians, dentists, podiatrists, and primary care providers.