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“Gloving the dermoscope” for genital lesion dermoscopy
Corresponding author: Prof. Chander Grover, Department of Dermatology and STD, University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital, Dilshad Garden, New Delhi - 110 095, India. chandergroverkubba76@gmail.com
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Received: ,
Accepted: ,
How to cite this article: Jakhar D, Grover C, Kaur I. “Gloving the dermoscope” for genital lesion dermoscopy. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2021;87:144-5.
Problem
Dermoscopy of genital lesions is inconvenient for the patient as well as the dermatologist. There is a reluctance to allow the dermoscope to come in contact with genital skin or mucosa; hence, genitodermoscopy is not widely practiced. Common concerns are a messy procedure, fear of contamination of the instrument and the possibility of cross-infection, discouraging its use in this area.
Solution
A universal serial bus (USB) dermatoscope is a convenient instrument1,2 to perform “non-contact dermoscopy” as the lens need not be in contact with the examined lesion. However, the edge of the plastic front-cap does come in contact with the skin area being examined. These plastic front-caps act as spacers, thus determining the magnification achieved while examining a lesion. To perform genitodermoscopy, we have been preventing their edge from coming in contact with the potentially contaminated surface by using a sterile glove. A finger of the rubber glove is cut as shown in Figure 1a. The proximal end of the cut finger is rolled onto the dermoscope front cap, while the distal end allows visualization of the area to be examined [Figures 1b and c]. This innovative assembly of glove and dermoscope helps visualize the genital lesions in an easier and safer way [Figure 1d]. This cut glove piece can be discarded after each use. This simple technique converts the front-cap of the USB dermoscope into a sterile interface, thus allaying the anxiety of the patient and the dermatologist alike. A single glove can provide five such pieces, making it quite economical as well. It offers an advantage over the traditional glass slide method of doing genital dermoscopy as it avoids blanching of the lesion and prevents any possible injury (by glass slide) to the genital skin and mucosa [Figure 2]. The cling film with the center part cut can also be used, however, it is cumbersome to use with a universal serial bus dermoscope. A properly fitted glove is better suited owing to the unique anatomy of the genital region.
- A finger of an easily available sterile or unsterile glove can be cut as shown
- The cut part can be rolled up onto the front cap of the dermoscope
- The viewing lens is clearly visible while the rim is well covered in this “gloved dermoscope”
- Performing genitodermoscopy with gloved dermoscope (Dinolite AM413ZT)
- Genitodermoscopy showing the knoblike pattern with few finger-like projections in a genital wart. Note the hairpin vessels in the projections (Dinolite AM413ZT; ×50; polarising)
Financial support and sponsorship
Nil.
Conflicts of interest
There are no conflicts of interest.
References
- Innovative modification of the USB dermatoscope for mucoscopy. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;78:e3-4.
- [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- Universal serial bus dermatoscope as an oculoscopy tool. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;78:e139-40.
- [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
