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Although numerous pathologies are associated with abnormal skin deposits, these remain poorly described, as accurate characterization continues to present a challenge for dermatologists. Their submicrometer size as well as their diverse chemistry require various characterization tools. We aim to exemplify characterization of endogenous and exogenous skin deposits in some selected skin diseases using different physico-chemical techniques. We begin with a presentation of selected diseases associated with skin deposits. We then present those of our results which show their variety of structure, location and chemical composition, obtained with various tools: Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, vibrational spectroscopies, as well as techniques specific to synchrotron radiation. Our results constitute a real opportunity to improve diagnosis, and to understand the pathogenesis of many skin diseases, and opportunities for therapeutic intervention.

Since its first use several decades ago, scanning electron microscopy has been used in numerous investigations dedicated to biological systems. This contribution focuses on observations on pathological calcifications in order to review several major applications of primary importance to the clinician. Among these, we highlight such observations as medical diagnostic tools in pathologies arising from primary hyperoxaluria and urinary infections.

In this contribution dedicated to kidney stones containing Whitlockite (Wk), we addressed three questions, namely, the presence of iron in Wk, the relationship between bacterial imprints and the presence of Wk, and finally the relationship between the crystal size of Wk-bearing stones and infection. The complete dataset indicates that iron is not present in our Wk stoichiometry. We also note the presence of bacterial imprints for kidney stones with a high, but sometimes a low content, of Wk. Finally, we propose FE-SEM as a diagnostic tool for stone patients who have a negative urine culture associated with kidney stones containing less than 20% by weight Wk, a low level of carbonate in apatite, and no struvite. Such a diagnostic tool would represent a significant benefit to the clinician.