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Objective To study the dermoscopic and clinical features of halo nevus in children. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data, including general condition, clinical features, family history and dermoscopic data of 110 patients with halo nevus in our hospital from January 2019 to February 2023. Results The mean age of 110 patients was (8.91±3.26) years. The ratio of male to female was 1.29∶1. Involvements on the face and neck accounted for 32.82%, and 40.00% of patients were complicated with vitiligo. The incidence of multiple halo nevi was higher in patients with vitiligo than in those without vitiligo (χ2=8.61, P=0.003). Among the 45 cases with a family history, the proportion of individuals with family history was higher in patients with vitiligo (7/22, 31.82%) than in those without vitiligo (1/23, 4.35%) (χ2=4.08, P=0.043). The most common dermoscopic features of central nevi were homogeneous pattern (21 cases, 36.84%) and globular pattern (10 cases,17.54%). The peripheral halo often presented as structureless hypopigmentation (36 cases,63.16%). Improvement was observed in 70.00% of the patients after 6-month treatment with oral compound glycyrrhizin tablets plus topical glucocorticoids/0.03% tacrolimus ointment. The proportion of patients without autoimmune diseases was lower in effective cases than in the ineffective cases (χ2=5.70, P

A case of acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus is reported. A 75-year-old male presented with asymptomatic erythema on both the ears and face for over a month. Dermatological examination showed fused erythema on both sides of the face and ears. Multiple erythema, maculae and red papules in different sizes were seen on the back, and some lesions were accompanied with scales. Under a dermoscope, there were perifollicular white halos and amorphous areas with scales on red background. Histopathological examination of facial skin lesions showed epidermal atrophy and liquefaction degeneration of the basal cells, and perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes in the superficial and middle dermis. Alcian blue staining was focally positive in the dermis. Diagnosis: generalized acute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Satisfactory results were achieved after oral administration of hydroxychloroquine combined with methylprednisolone tablets. No recurrence was observed during follow-up.

To report a case of Norwegian scabies diagnosed with the aid of dermoscopy. A 78-year-old man suffered from generalized papules, papulovesicles and nodules with pruritus for 2 years. Patient had been repeatedly diagnosed as eczema or nodular prurigo or urticaria. Topical antihistamines and glucocorticoids only slightly improved lesions, but not pruritus. Dermatological examination showed dense papules, papulovesicles and nodules on the trunk and limbs, especially on the elbows, armpits, buttocks and thighs. Some lesions were covered with scales. Chaffy scales were present on the hands, fingers/toe gaps and buttocks, with fishy odour smell. Dermoscopy showed white burrows in appearance of delta-wing jet. Mites and secretion were observed in the burrows along with triangular structure on the other end of the burrows. A diagnosis of Norwegian scabies was made. Pruritus and skin lesions were significantly improved after 2-week twice-daily treatment with topical 25% sulfur ointment plus desonide cream in addition to oral epinastine capsule and decoction of Chinese medicine. No recurrence was observed during a 2-month follow-up.

Objective To summarize and analyze the dermoscopic features of scabies. Methods Dermoscopic images of 101 patients with scabies were collected from the dermatology clinic from January 2022 to April 2023, and the microscopic features were analyzed. Results The burrows were visible in all cases (100%). Triangular structure in coffee color and brown dotted structure were observed in 97 cases (96.04%) and 10 cases (9.90%), respectively. Eight patients (7.92%) had "gray-edged line" sign and 2 cases (1.98%) showed a gray-white structure in the middle of burrow. Light-brown and dark-red transparent mites were found in 4 cases (3.96%) and 1 case (0.99%), respectively. Conclusions The characteristics of scabies under a dermoscope include burrows and coffee-colored triangular structure. Other non-specific structures, such as brown dots, "gray-edged line" sign and gray-white structure in the center of burrows, are also helpful for the dermoscopic diagnosis of scabies.

Melasma is a type of hyperpigmentation typically found on sun-exposed areas, particularly on the face but occasionally on the neck and forearms as well. Despite ongoing research, the exact cause of melasma is still unknown, although it is believed that both genetic factors and exposure to ultraviolet light may contribute to its development. There is a scarcity of studies that assessed the relationship between Wood's lamp and dermoscopic findings in relation to melasma. The current study was conducted to find a correlation and comparison between the observations of Wood's lamp and dermoscopy for melasma. A cross sectional study was carried out among patients with clinical features of melasma attending the outpatient department at multispecialty hospital with a sample size of 200. It was observed that out of 200 cases, mean age group was around 32 years, housewives constituted the majority 72(36%) patients followed by farmers 32(16%); 162(81%) were literate and 38(19%) were illiterate; and 127(63.5%) were using cosmetics and 73(36.5%) were not using any cosmetics; 69 (34.5%) centro-facial melasma, 130(65%) malar and 1(0.5%) with irregular melasma; 137(68.5%) were reticulo-globular, 54(27%) reticular and 9(4.5%) were globular; 10(5%) contrast enhancement, 107(53.5%) only enhancement and 83(41.5%) no enhancement. Facial hypermelanosis has long been a source of distress for patients, with the current trend of valuing physical appearance and fairness in the population only exacerbating this concern. The use of Wood's lamp and subsequently confirmed by dermoscopy has undergone significant development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are no standards for evaluating skin photoaging. Dermoscopy is a non‐invasive detection method that might be useful for evaluating photoaging. Objective: To assess the correlation between the dermoscopic evaluation of photoaging and clinical and pathological evaluations. Methods: The age, clinical evaluation (Fitzpatrick classification, Glogau Photoaging Classification, and Chung's standardized image ruler), histopathology (Masson staining and MMP‐1 immunohistochemistry), and dermoscopy (Hu's and Isik's) of 40 donor skin samples were analyzed statistically, and Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed. Results: There was a robust correlation between the total Hu scores and Isik dermoscopy. The correlation of dermoscopy with histopathology was higher than that of clinical evaluation methods. There is a strong correlation between telangiectases and lentigo. Xerosis, superficial wrinkle, diffuse erythema, telangiectases, and reticular pigmentation were significantly correlated with the three clinical evaluation methods. Superficial wrinkles were correlated with Masson, MMP‐1, various clinical indicators, and other dermoscopic items. Conclusion: There is a good correlation between dermoscopy and clinical and histopathological examination. Dermoscopy might help evaluate skin photoaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthelasma palpebrarum (XP) is a benign cosmetic condition. Although the role of CO2 laser is well described, there are only a few studies on Erbium: YAG in XP. Similarly, trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is commonly used in XP. However, there are only a few studies comparing these modalities in the treatment of XP. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Erbium: YAG laser and 50% TCA in the treatment of XP with the role of dermoscope in the evaluation of lesions. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 subjects were randomly allocated into two groups: group A (TCA) and group B (laser). All patients were subcategorized into three grades viz. I (mild), II (moderate), and III (severe) using a self-devised scoring system. Results: About 25% and 70% of patients achieved complete clearance in groups A and B, respectively (P = 0.017). The rate of recurrence was 40% and 15% in groups A and B. Dyspigmentation and erythema were the most common side effects. Pretreatment dermoscopic evaluation of the lesion showed a network of brown streaks on a background of a yellowish structureless area and was used to assess the area and margins of the lesion where the adipose tissue was found during the procedure and serial assessment of the lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Diagnosis & Therapy on Dermato-venereology is the property of Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Diagnosis & Therapy on Dermato-venereology is the property of Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The global incidence of melanoma increased from 2.01/ 100 000 in 1990 to 3.75/100 000 in 2019. The incidence and mortality rate of malignant melanoma in China is lower than that of the global average, but in recent years, its incidence rate has increased (3% to 5%). Malignant melanoma is the fastest growing malignant tumor in China, and new melanoma patients reach 20 000 to 30 000 cases every year. Melanoma is prone to invasion and metastasis, and the 5-year survival rate of stage IV patients is only 4.6%. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the prognosis of patients with malignant melanoma. At present, the hot spots in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma include visual aid, artificial intelligence-assisted diagnosis, histological diagnosis and differential diagnosis. Visual AIDS can be used to screen for melanoma, and dermoscopy and skin confocal technology (CT) can diagnose melanoma with sensitivity of 61% and 100%, respectively. AI based diagnosis of malignant melanoma is more accurate than that of artificial intelligence alone or doctors, and can improve the diagnosis accuracy of malignant melanoma from 55.6% to 75.0%. With the continuous progress of second-generation sequencing technology in histology diagnosis, there is still a lack of objectively and highly repeatable immunohistochemical markers applicable to all melanomas. However, with the development of melanoma genomics research, BRAF V600E and NRAS mutations have been applied in clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis assessment. Malignant melanoma is highly invasive, and many patients are in the advanced stage when diagnosed. Therefore, the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma in China should pay attention to the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment team model, and promote the diagnosis and treatment principles and guidelines based on multidisciplinary consensus.

Objective: To find the concordance of Dermoscopic and Wood’s lamp findings in melasma patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Kharian Pakistan, from Nov 2020 to Sep 2021. Methodology: A total of sixty patients clinically classified as melasma were enrolled in the study. Clinical assessment was done, and patients were examined with Wood’s lamp and Dermoscope, and findings were recorded. Results: The results of concordance of Wood’s lamp findings and Dermoscopic findings were significant as analysed by Kappa Statistics where value of k was 0.597 and p-value was

Copyright of Journal of Diagnosis & Therapy on Dermato-venereology is the property of Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Diagnosis & Therapy on Dermato-venereology is the property of Dermatology Hospital of Southern Medical University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Retrograde alopecia [RA] is a term that describes the hair loss in the nape of the neck that may extend to the occipital region or above in the scalp. In most cases it is associated with Androgenetic alopecia [AGA]. Yet, as the severity of Androgenetic alopecia increases, the retrograde alopecia becomes more frequent, prominent and severe. Aim of the work: To explore the prevalence, patterns, grades, dermoscopic features of retrograde alopecia and linking this finding with eligibility of Hair transplantation for AGA.Patients and Methods: One thousand patients are included in this study recruited from al Al Hussein hospital, dermatology department, Hair clinic. Clinical and dermoscopic examination for occipital area are done to detect RA prevalence, patterns and dermoscopic findings.Results: Fifty patients out of thousand patients examined were affected by RA of varying degrees and patterns. Grading system is done for those patients. We have linked this grading system with eligibility for hair transplantation for AGA.Conclusion: RA is fairly common among patients with Androgenetic alopecia of severe degrees. Detection of RA by good examination clinically and dermoscopically is mandatory for reaching the appropriate diagnosis, treatment and exclusion of affected hair by RA from harvesting to get a safe donor area regarding hair transplantation of AGA.

Background: Unsupervised overuse of topical corticosteroids (TCs) is highly common in dermatological practice, leading to steroid abuse known as topical steroid damaged/dependent face (TSDF). Dermoscopy aids in the early detection of TSDF. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and dermoscopic findings in patients with TSDF. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on eighty patients presenting with clinical features suggestive of TSDF. Detailed history taking, clinical examination, and dermoscopic evaluation with a DermLite dermoscope were performed. Results: Out of the eighty patients included in the study, 64 (80%) were females and 16 (20%) were males. The most common age group affected was 18-30 years (52; 65%). Sixty-six were literate. Melasma was a common underlying condition for which a steroid was used by the patients (44; 55%). Betamethasone (34; 47.5%) was the most commonly used, followed by clobetasol (18; 22.5%). Relatives and friends were the common sources of recommendation (46; 57.5%). Most of the patients applied these for one year. Redness was the predominant presenting complaint, seen in sixty patients (75%). The common clinical findings were erythema (75%), hyperpigmentation (44; 55%), and hypertrichosis (50; 62.5%). The common findings observed on dermoscopy were telangiectasia (90%), red, diffuse areas (75%), brown globules (55%), and hypertrichosis (62.5%). In telangiectasia, the linear (60%), polygonal (30%), Y-shaped (25%), and serpentine (15%) types were seen. The other findings observed were white, structureless areas (37.5%), Demodex tails (25%), scaling (15%), pustules (10%), comedones (20%), and the breaking of the pseudo-reticular network (22.5%). Limitations: The limitation of this study was the lack of histopathological correlation. Conclusion: Dermoscopy aids in the early diagnosis of TSDF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that causes non‐scarring hair loss. To date, there is no single cure and treatment remains challenging. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of Jessener solution versus intralesional steroid in treatment of Alopecia Areata. Methods: This study included 40 patients who presented with multifocal patchy alopecia areata (AA). For each patient, three patches were randomly selected to be treated one with intralesional steroid, another with topical Jessner solution and the third with normal saline. Three sessions were done 3 weeks apart and were followed up for 3 months. Response was assessed clinically and by trichoscope. Results: Fifteen percent of patches coated with Jessner or injected with steroids showed an excellent response while 20% of patches coated with Jessner and 32.5% patches injected with steroids showed a good response. A significant difference was observed between the three modalities of treatment regarding the prognostic score for response (p < 0.001) as patches coated with Jessner and those steroid injected showed a significant higher response rate than patches injected with saline (p < 0.001) while no significant difference was reported between patches either treated with Jessner or steroids (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Jessners solution can be a novel and feasible and well tolerated modality of treatment for patients suffering from alopecia areata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate polarized light dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopic features of Paget disease. Methods Dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopic features of 76 lesions were analyzed in 29 patients with Paget disease, who visited our clinic from January 2019 to October 2021. Results Among the 29 patients, including 18 males and 16 females, 9 cases were mammary Paget disease and 20 cases were extramammary Paget disease, with a total of 76 lesions. Polarized light dermoscopy showed milky-white structureless areas, bright white streaks, vascular structures and light brown to bluish gray dots in milky-red and reddish-brown background. Reflectance confocal microscopy examination of the lesions showed disorganized epidermal cells with vacuole-like cells and Paget cells, formation of tumor nests by Paget cells in the basal layer, tortuous blood vessels in the superficial dermis with infiltrate of inflammatory cells, dendritic cells and pigmentophages. Dermoscopic and reflectance confocal microscopic features were similar in Paget and extramammary Paget diseases. Conclusion Paget disease displays specific characteristics under the polarized light dermoscope and reflectance confocal microscope, providing a basis for non-invasive diagnosis of the disease.

Objective: To explore the dermoscopic characteristics of comma, spiral, malnourished hair, and to find out a new method for differentiation of Microsporum canis and Trichophyton tonsurans infections under the dermoscope. Methods: Dermoscopic characteristics were analyzed in 11 patients with tinea capitis who were positive for fungal smear and underwent dermoscopy at department of dermatology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from 2019 to 2021. Results: Comma hair and malnourished hair were 100% and 80%, respectively, with no spiral hair, in patients infected by Microsporum canis. All patients with Trichophyton tonsurans infections had comma and spiral hair, and 66% had malnourished hair. That a patient with tinea capitis had comma, spiral, malnourished hair at the same time highly indicated Trichophyton tonsurans infections (χ2=8.00, P=0.18). Conclusions: Comma, spiral, and malnourished hairs are specific markers for the differentiation of Microsporum canis and Trichophyton tonsurans. Dermoscopy is a valuable approach in the diagnosis of Microsporum canis and Trichophyton tonsurans prior to fungal culture in patients with tinea capitis.

Background: Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a minimally invasive surgery that is becoming popular in hair restoration in cicatricial alopecia (CA). Aim: Evaluation of FUE with or without platelet rich plasma (PRP) in scarring alopecia. Patients and methods: Twenty patients with CA were randomized into two groups. Group A (10 patients) underwent FUE, group B (10 patients) underwent FUE + PRP. PRP was injected 1 week before surgery, then monthly after surgery for 3 months. Follow up was done after 3, 6 and 12 months by calculating the density of surviving follicular units and the survival rate. Results: In group A, there was statistically significant increase in mean survival rate which was 30.30%. At 3 months, 67.26% at 6 months and 78.15% at 12 months. In group B, there was a significant increase in mean survival rate being 30.14% at 3 months, 58.75% at 6 months and 69.74% at 12 months. There was no significant difference between both groups at anytime during follow up period. Conclusion: Follicular unit extraction is a preferred procedure for hair restoration in CA with few side effects. The role of PRP in HT is controversial. In the present study, PRP does not significantly affect the survival rate of hair grafts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 58-year-old man presented with a nodule on his left heel for more than ten years. A soft demarcated dark red nodule, sized 1 cm x 1cm, was found on the left heel with peripheral brownish pigmentation. Dermoscopic examination showed a well-circumscribed dome-shaped nodule with centralized leaf-like vessels, surrounded by whitish halos. Pathological findings included protrusion of tumor mass from the epidermis into the dermis. The tumor cells were uniform in size, some of which were cuboidal, with dark basophilic round nuclei. The diagnosis of eccrine poroma, dermal duct tumor type, was confirmed. The lesion was completely excised, without recurrence.

Background: Dermatosis neglecta (DN) is an underdiagnosed localized pigmentary disorder, characterized by asymptomatic hyperpigmented patches and plaques with adherent scales in an inadequately cleansed area. It is a diagnostic challenge leading to unnecessary interventions and burden to patients. Dermoscopy is a noninvasive handy diagnostic tool, though its utility in the diagnosis of DN is unexplored. Objective: To describe the various clinical and dermoscopic patterns in patients with DN. Materials and Methods: An observational study in 10 admitted patients of a tertiary hospital with DN was done, who consulted in department of dermatology in view of hyperpigmented lesions. After a thorough history and clinical examination, dermoscopy was done over the lesions. Results: In 10 patients, DN was confirmed with a resolution of part of lesion on the application of water-soaked gauze. On dermoscopy, dark-brown polygonal, cornflake-like scales are seen arranged in a mosaic pattern with intervening normal skin, sometimes over an erythematous background. On further probing, most patients gave the history of unintentional neglect of the affected part related to their primary illness. Limitations: Small sample size. Conclusions: DN is an underreported localized hyperpigmented disorder, mimicking other dermatoses. It should always be kept in mind in patients with morbidities that lead to the inability to maintain hygiene in the relevant areas, which may not be the classically described sites of DN. Dermoscopy helps to differentiate it from other hyperpigmented lesions, especially in its milder forms, avoiding the act of wiping the lesions especially in areas associated with hyperesthesia and helps in reinforcing the diagnosis. However, the criteria to diagnose DN based on dermoscopy is not definite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of modified fire-needle technique and herbal bathing-repairing therapy of TCM on multiple verruca plantaris., Methods: Seventy patients with multiple verruca plantaris were randomly divided into an observation group (35 cases, 1 case was eliminated) and a control group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped out). In the control group, the herbal bathing-repairing therapy of TCM was adopted. In the observation group, besides the treatment as the control group, fire needling and cauterization were delivered on the base of skin lesion or the sites with rich blood vessels under the dermoscope. The intervention was provided once a week, one course of treatment was composed of 3 weeks, and two courses were required in each group. The score of the self-designed symptom scale, the score of dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and the area of typical skin lesion were observed before and after treatment. The clinical effect was evaluated after treatment and the recurrence was assessed 2 months after treatment completion in the two groups., Results: After treatment, the scores of the self-designed symptom scale and DLQI were lower and the area of typical skin lesion was smaller compared with those before treatment in the two groups ( P <0.05). The scores of the self-designed symptom score and DLQI in the observation group were reduced ( P <0.05), and the area of typical lesion was smaller ( P <0.05) in comparison with those in the control group. The total effective rate was 91.2% (31/34) in the observation group, higher than that in the control group (60.6%, 20/33, P <0.05). The recurrence rate was 6.5% (2/31) in the observation group, lower than that in the control group (35.0%, 7/20, P <0.05)., Conclusion: Modified fire-needle technique combined with herbal bathing-repairing therapy ameliorates clinical symptoms and the quality of life in the patients with multiple verruca plantaris and reduces the recurrence of the disease.

Dermatological conditions often present diagnostic challenges due to their diverse manifestations and overlapping clinical features. In such cases, dermoscopy, a non-invasive imaging technique, has emerged as a valuable tool to enhance diagnostic accuracy and guide clinicians in reaching an appropriate differential diagnosis. By visualizing subsurface skin structures and microvascular patterns, dermoscopy provides additional information that complements clinical examination, aiding in the recognition of specific dermatoses and the differentiation between benign and malignant skin lesions. Herein, we present a case that demonstrates the utility of dermoscopy in distinguishing between an initial broad list of differential diagnoses, namely, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma in situ, and other inflammatory dermatitides, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, and narrowing down the differential diagnosis to just one likely diagnosis, which was basal cell carcinoma in our case., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Eldaboush et al.)

Objective: To find the concordance of Dermoscopic and Wood's lamp findings in melasma patients. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Combined Military Hospital, Kharian Pakistan, from Nov 2020 to Sep 2021. Methodology: A total of sixty patients clinically classified as melasma were enrolled in the study. Clinical assessment was done, and patients were examined with Wood's lamp and Dermoscope, and findings were recorded. Results: The results of concordance of Wood's lamp findings and Dermoscopic findings were significant as analysed by Kappa Statistics where value of k was 0.597 and p-value was <0.001. Conclusion: Dermoscopy is a newer and more advanced tool. It should be used as a screening and diagnostic tool for melasma and other pigmentation disorders in our Outpatient Departments for earlier subtyping of melasma, deciding the treatment choice and predicting prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Porokeratosis (PK) is a common autosomal dominant chronic progressive dyskeratosis with various clinical manifestations. Based on clinical manifestations, porokeratosis can be classified as porokeratosis of mibelli, disseminated superficial porokeratosis, disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis, linear porokeratosis (LP), porokeratosis palmaris et plantaris disseminata, porokeratosis punctata, popular PK, hyperkeratosis PK, inflammatory PK, verrucous PK, and mixed types. We report a case of LP in a child and describe its dermoscopic findings., Case Summary: Linear porokeratosis is a rare PK. The patient presented with unilateral keratinizing maculopapular rash of the foot in childhood. The patient underwent skin pathology and dermoscopy, and was treated with liquid nitrogen freezing and topical drugs., Conclusion: From this case we take-away that LP is a rare disease, by the dermoscopic we can identify it., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (©The Author(s) 2022. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

Imaging plays a vital role in the diagnosis and treatment of skin diseases. However, pure optical imaging technique is limited to the visualization of superficial skin tissues. Ultrasonic imaging technique can detect deep tissues, but it lacks detailed information on microscopic pathological structures. Photoacoustic imaging is an advanced technology that bridges the spatial-resolution gap between optical and ultrasonic techniques, by the modes of optical excitation and acoustic detection. Photoacoustic dermoscopy (PAD), based on photoacoustic technology, can noninvasively obtain high-resolution anatomical structures by endogenous absorbers, such as melanin, hemoglobin, lipids, etc. In the past years, PAD has gradually been developed in clinical dermatology for the diagnosis of melanoma, psoriasis, port-wine stains, dermatitis, skin grafting, and testing the efficacy of cosmetics. This protocol provides detailed procedures for PAD construction, including component selection, equipment setup, and system calibration. A step-by-step guide for human skin imaging is provided as an example application. Image reconstruction and troubleshooting procedures are also elaborated. PAD offers the 3D volumetric images of human skin, and quantitatively analyzes the vascular morphology in the dermis. The protocol will provide clinicians with standardized and reasonable guidance in dermatological imaging., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors have no conflicts of interest or competing interests to declare., (Copyright © 2022 The Authors; exclusive licensee Bio-protocol LLC.)