“Extraction Dermoscopy”: Expanding the Utility of Epiluminescence Microscopy

Abstract

Introduction: Many dermatological conditions require extraction of material from the lesion followed by visualization under a microscope. However, visualization of the extracted material can be done using a dermoscope instead. We propose “extraction dermoscopy” as an addition to the already existing treasury that dermoscopy holds. Methods: After approval from the institutional ethics committee, a cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital. Polarized and non-polarized versions of in vivo dermoscopy, as well as extraction dermoscopy, were performed on a total of 77 lesions, including 5 eruptive vellus hair cysts, 2 cilia incarnata externum, 10 trichostasis spinulosa, 20 keratosis pilaris, 20 molluscum contagiosum, and 20 lesions of milia. Heine Delta 20T and Dino-Lite Premier AM4113T were employed for dermoscopic examination. Results: A total of 77 lesions were selected, including 5 eruptive vellus hair cysts, 2 cilia incarnata externum, 10 trichostasis spinulosa, 20 keratosis pilaris, 20 molluscum contagiosum, and 20 lesions of milia. Extraction dermoscopy of the eruptive vellus cysts revealed skin color to brownish colored cysts with a bunch of pigmented hair. Similarly, findings of all other lesions were described and recorded post-extraction. Conclusion: Extraction dermoscopy helps confirm the diagnosis without visualization under a microscope. Its application in recent times makes the explanation of the nature of many disorders to patients easier, and demonstration of extracted lesions may further improve doctor-patient communication.