Physician Assistant Taylor Dryden weighs in on the importance of the use of a dermatoscope to unveil skin’s hidden clues during skin checks.
Skin specialists have a tool that enables them to unveil the skin’s hidden clues. Although the dermatoscope is a small tool, it has a big impact on the way your skin is examined.
Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skin Care Physician Assistant Taylor Dryden said the use of a dermatoscope is a key component to early detection of skin cancer.
The tool consists of a magnifying lens with a light. It helps to closely examine skin surfaces, lesions, and moles. Additionally, it allows the visualization of skin irregularities that might otherwise be invisible.
“It can assist in the diagnosis of atypical moles, melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma,” she said. “It allows the provider to evaluate a lesion for different colors and asymmetry, as well as the pigment network of moles, and other factors that can be used in the decision making process to determine if a lesion is benign or should be biopsied.”
Dryden utilizes the dermatoscope when performing full skin checks or when looking at a specific area of concern. Using the dermatoscope is a non-invasive and proactive approach to assess the skin and determine the need for further treatment.
Additionally, the practice providers have gone through specialized training. This helps them to develop the skills needed to interpret the intricate features and patterns seen through the dermatoscope. It helps them to unveil the skin’s hidden clues to be able to make informed decisions regarding treatment options. Ultimately, it leads to better patient care and outcomes.
The dermatoscope is portable, which enables all of the practice providers to bring it with them as they provide skin checks outside of the office, including when seeing nursing home patients at bedside.
The use of the dermatoscope is another example of Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skin Care’s commitment to patients.
