Optical coherence tomography.

During the past decade, noninvasive imaging has emerged as a valuable tool in clinical dermatology and dermatologic research. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is one such type of noninvasive imaging. OCT uses the principle of interferometry to produce real-time images. A low-power diode laser shines infrared light onto tissues, which reflects back to an optical fiber interferometer. Using time delay and the backscattered light intensity, a two-dimensional image akin to an ultrasound is rendered. We review the history, types, and modalities of OCT, plus the many applications of frequency domain, high definition, and dynamic OCT in practice, including its utility in diagnosis, monitoring, and grading disease severity in a variety of cutaneous conditions.

Successful Treatment of Porokeratosis With Ablative Fractional Carbon Dioxide Laser and Vitamin C, E, and Ferulic Acid Serum

Porokeratosis is a rare disorder of epidermal keratinization that encompasses several clinical forms, characterized by erythematous, annular plaques with an atrophic center and hyperkeratotic ridge-like border. The histopathological hallmark of porokeratosis is the cornoid lamella, a thin column of parakeratotic corneocytes embedded within the stratum corneum. There is no standard treatment regimen for porokeratosis. Current therapeutic modalities include topical agents, systemic medications, and surgical interventions that have variable efficacy. Here, we report a case of a patient with localized porokeratosis lesions on the face and extremities that resolved after one treatment session with carbon dioxide laser resurfacing combined with topical antioxidant serum containing L-ascorbic acid, alpha tocopherol, and ferulic acid. The diagnosis of porokeratosis was supported by the clinical presentation, dermoscopy, and in vivo skin imaging with optical coherence tomography and reflectance confocal microscopy. This case highlights the utility of using carbon dioxide laser to ablate porokeratosis lesions, as well as the clinical advantages offered by new noninvasive skin imaging modalities to examine, diagnose, and follow up skin pathologies. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(11):1174-1176.

Going digital with dermoscopy.

Digital dermoscopy refers to the acquisition and storage of digital images from a dermoscopic examination. In this article, we delve into the innovative world of digital dermoscopy with a review of its potential uses as well as some nuances of adapting this technology in a clinical setting, including sequential monitoring, teledermoscopy, and machine learning. We also discuss the acquisition and storage of dermoscopy images in accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

A review through the looking glass: new advances in dermoscopy.

Dermoscopy is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that facilitates the visualization of surface and subsurface structures of the skin. It has been proven to be an essential tool in the diagnosis of both malignant and benign cutaneous lesions. In this article, we review some of the most recent and noteworthy advances in dermoscopy. In addition, we discuss Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM) and Optical Coherence Topography (OCT), two non-invasive imaging devices that may be used alongside dermoscopy to improve diagnostic accuracy.