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Subject Area

Dermatology

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objectives To compare the images obtained by dermoscopy and a simple jeweler's loupe device to evaluate the difference between these diagnostic tools in different skin diseases. Background The basic principle of dermoscopy is the transillumination of a lesion and studying it with high magnification. The main disadvantage of most dermoscopy devices is the relatively high cost. The aim of this study was to compare the images obtained by a dermoscopy and a simple jeweler's loupe to evaluate the difference between these diagnostic tools in different skin diseases. All participants were recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Dermatology Department at Menoufia University Hospital, Egypt. Patients and methods This study was done on 100 cases of different definitive skin diseases. Each case was subjected to dermoscopic evaluation by dermlite DL4, dermlite DL3, photo-documentation, jeweler's loupe (×10 magnification and a built-in light-emitting diode) examination, and photodocumentation. A comparison regarding the findings of each disease was done. Results Regarding the results of jewelry loupe, there was no significant difference between its results and dermoscopy results, except for a significant difference in honeycomb pigmentation in androgenic alopecia lesions and milia-like cyst of seborrheic keratosis not seen with the loupe. A highly significant difference in dotted blood vessels of psoriatic lesions was observed (100% with dermatoscopy and 20% with the loupe). Conclusion Jewelry loupe is a simple and cost-effective device that can be used in rural areas and also in teaching the basics of dermoscopy, although its image clarity is not as good as a proper dermoscope.

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