Dermatology• Updated 21 October 2026
Dermatoscopy
A painless examination of skin spots and moles with a magnifying light.
Results: Immediately
Quick Summary
Primary Purpose
To check moles and skin lesions and decide whether a biopsy is needed.
What It Measures
Patterns and colours in the skin.
Preparation
No preparation.
Overview
It helps tell harmless spots from those needing a biopsy.
Also used for hair and scalp conditions.
What It Measures
Pigment patterns
Moles and spots.
How It's Performed
- 01
Gel or light
Applied to the skin.
- 02
Look
Through the dermatoscope.
- 03
Decide
Whether further tests are needed.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Skin Cancer Screening(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine