The Role of Dermoscopy in Diagnosis of Superficial ungal Cutaneous Infections

Abstract

Introduction:Dermoscopy is a non-invasive method that allows evaluation of colors and microstructures of the epidermis, the dermoepidermal junction, and the papillary dermis not visible to the naked eye. Aim of the work: The present study aims to evaluate the role of dermoscopy in diagnosis of superficial cutaneous fungal infections. Patients and methods: The present study had included 120 patients suspected clinically to have superficial cutanous fungal infections from the attendants of Dermatology Outpatient Clinic, Minia University Hospital and chosen randomly over a period of 12 months (From the beginning of December 2015 to the end of November 2016). Results:The present study was conducted on 120 patients over a period of 12 months (From the beginning of December 2015 to the end of November 2016) from the attendants of Dermatology Outpatient Clinic, Minia University Hospital. Discussion: Superficial fungal infections of the skin, scalp and nails are very common and have been reported worldwide. The most common causative agents of these mycoses are dermatophytes, yeasts and molds. Summary: Dermoscopy should be regarded as a safe and rapid diagnostic tool that assists in clinical examination and management decision in dermatology, as the stethoscope does for diagnosing heart, lung or abdominal problems. As a consequence, dermoscopy can be nowadays seen as the dermatologists' stethoscope