Dermatoscopes

116

Dermatoscopes

Dermatoscopes enable magnified, well-illuminated examination of skin lesions and are standard equipment in dermatology diagnostics. The dermatoscope range at Praxisdienst is designed for dermatologists, general practitioners, and medical professionals working in clinics and medical practices. Nearly all devices in this category are MDR-certified medical devices and support the structured assessment of pigmented lesions, including the early detection of melanoma.

Principles of Dermoscopy

Dermoscopy is based on the epiluminescence principle: an integrated LED light source illuminates the skin surface, while magnifying optics make structures from the epidermis through to the upper dermis visible. This reveals details that are not detectable with the naked eye. Due to this working principle, the device is also referred to as a skin surface microscope.

A key distinguishing factor is the type of light used. In non-polarised light mode, the contact plate is placed directly on the skin and an immersion fluid such as oil or gel is required (contact dermoscopy). Polarised light, on the other hand, filters out surface reflections and allows deeper skin structures to be visualised without immersion fluids. In this case, the examination is performed without direct contact and without gel.

A structured diagnostic aid is provided by the ABCDE rule, which can be applied precisely using a dermatoscope: A for asymmetry, B for border irregularity, C for colour variation, D for diameter, and E for evolution, meaning changes over time. The device provides the magnified detail view required to assess these five criteria reliably.

Device Types at a Glance

Contact Dermatoscopes

Traditional dermatoscopes with a contact plate for the standard examination of skin lesions. Direct skin contact is established using immersion fluid or gel. Target users: dermatologists and general practitioners.

Polarised Dermatoscopes

Non-contact, cross-polarised devices allow examination without skin contact and without the need for gel. Deeper skin structures become visible, and switching between multiple lesions is quick and efficient. Target users: dermatologists and skin specialists.

Smartphone and Handheld Dermatoscopes

Mobile, digital devices with smartphone connectivity enable documentation, image archiving, and follow-up monitoring. A digital dermatoscope of this type is particularly suited for mobile use. Target users: general practitioners and primary care physicians.

Video Dermatoscopes and Fully Digital Systems

Fully digital systems support clinical documentation, total body mapping, and software-assisted follow-up monitoring. Target users: dermatologists, specialist practices, and clinics.

The overview below summarises the main device types:

Contact Dermatoscope

Target group

Dermatologists, GPs

Advantages

Proven standard, high level of detail with immersion fluid

Recommended use

Routine examination of skin lesions

Polarised Dermatoscope

Target group

Dermatologists, Skin Specialists

Advantages

Non-contact examination, no immersion fluid required, quick lesion switching

Recommended use

Screening multiple lesions and visualising deeper skin structures

Smartphone / Digital Dermatoscope

Target group

GPs, Primary Care Physicians

Advantages

Digital documentation, image capture and long-term lesion monitoring

Recommended use

Mobile use, teledermatology and structured image archiving

Brands in the Assortment

The core of the range is formed by 3GEN DermLite, whose portfolio extends from compact handheld devices to professional hybrid systems. At the top end is the 3GEN DermLite DL5 Dermatoscope, featuring a variable polarisation system that allows seamless switching between polarised and non-polarised light, making different skin depths visible.

More compact, yet also part of the fourth generation, the DermLite DL4W stands out with its exceptionally bright white light, ergonomic design, and smartphone connectivity. For mobile use, the smartphone-based DermLite HÜD2 completes the range – a phone dermatoscope that attaches to almost any device via a universal clip and supports digital follow-up documentation on the go.

Alongside digital systems, classic contact dermoscopy remains an integral part of everyday clinical work. A well-established option here is the KaWe Eurolight D30 LED Dermatoscope (3.5 V): offering 10x magnification and a removable contact plate, it can be used in either contact or non-contact mode.

What are dermatoscopes? +

Dermatoscopes are optical diagnostic devices used for magnified, illuminated examination of the skin. They reveal structures that are not visible to the naked eye and support the accurate assessment of skin lesions.

What are dermatoscopes used for? +

They are primarily used for the early detection of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, using diagnostic approaches such as the ABCDE rule. Additional applications include the evaluation of benign pigmented lesions and parasite diagnostics.

Why are dermatoscopes expensive? +

The cost reflects high-quality optics, precision LED illumination and the level of imaging accuracy required for clinical diagnostics. Advanced features such as polarisation technology and digital documentation further increase technical complexity.

Which dermatoscope should I buy? +

The right dermatoscope depends on your clinical application: contact dermatoscopes for traditional examination, polarised dermatoscopes for non-contact assessment, and digital dermatoscopes for image documentation and monitoring. When purchasing a dermatoscope, also consider magnification and illumination quality.

What is a digital dermatoscope? +

A digital dermatoscope transmits images to a smartphone or connected system, enabling storage, structured documentation and longitudinal comparison. Unlike purely analogue devices, it supports continuous monitoring and efficient image archiving.

Buy Dermatoscopes at Competitive Prices from Praxisdienst

Anyone looking to buy a dermatoscope will find a broad selection at Praxisdienst, ranging from contact dermatoscopes and polarised systems to smartphone-compatible devices and video dermatoscopes. Leading manufacturers such as 3GEN DermLite, KaWe, and FotoFinder are represented. The attribute filter function allows targeted comparison of devices by manufacturer, design, and clinical suitability. All devices carry CE marking.

The choice of the right dermatoscope depends on medical specialty, field of application, and preferred examination method. The Praxisdienst team will be happy to provide expert advice – via phone, email or live chat.

Additional equipment and accessories for everyday clinical use can be found in the overarching category Diagnostics.