The use of digital epiluminescence dermatoscopy to identify peripheral scaling in pityriasis rosea.

Non-digital epiluminescence dermatoscope (ED) is a skin surface microscope utilizing oil immersion. Digital ED achieves epiluminescence by cross-polarization, with real-time images shown on computer screen.Non-digital and digital ED can assist to identify peripheral scaling in pityriasis rosea (PR). Additional advantages of digital ED include higher magnifications, a dry and convenient procedure, direct patient involvement, and easy appreciation of the relationship between microscopic changes and macroscopic clinical signs. PR is a particularly good teaching model as the histopathological changes almost exactly mirror changes seen under digital ED. Digital ED also allows easy image storage for record keeping, teaching and research.