Dermatoscopes aren’t just for dermatologists, our podiatrists use them to take a closer look at skin and nail conditions on the feet. Whether it’s identifying suspicious moles, checking for signs of melanoma, or assessing fungal nail infections, a dermatoscope provides detailed images beneath the surface of the skin and nail.
A dermatoscope is a handheld, magnifying tool with a light source that allows a closer and clearer view of skin lesions and textures. Here’s how it enhances a podiatrist’s ability to diagnose foot skin issues:
Improved Visualisation
The dermatoscope magnifies skin up to 10x or more and illuminates it evenly. This allows the podiatrist to examine skin structures that are not visible to the naked eye, crucial when distinguishing between benign and potentially dangerous lesions.
Better Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
Melanomas on the foot are often diagnosed late because they go unnoticed. A dermatoscope can help identify suspicious moles or pigmented lesions early by revealing irregular patterns or colours that suggest malignancy.
Accurate Differentiation
Some skin problems can look very similar such as a plantar wart vs. a corn. A dermatoscope can show tiny capillaries or skin disruptions specific to each condition, allowing for accurate identification and tailored treatment.
Monitoring Changes Over Time
If a lesion is not immediately diagnosable, dermatoscopic images can be saved and compared over time to monitor any changes, helping to catch signs of deterioration or malignancy early.
Common Skin Problems on the Foot
Podiatrists treat a wide range of skin conditions affecting the feet, including:
Plantar warts – Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), these can look like calluses but are often painful and have small black dots in the centre.
Tinea pedis (Athlete’s foot) – A fungal infection that leads to peeling, redness, itching, and sometimes blisters.
Corns and calluses – Thickened areas of skin due to pressure or friction.
Dry, cracked heels – Often caused by lack of moisture, poor footwear, or underlying health conditions.
Psoriasis or eczema – Chronic inflammatory skin conditions that can appear on the soles or between toes.
Skin cancers – Lesions such as melanomas can occur on the feet, even under the nails or on the soles.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Ignoring skin changes on your feet can lead to prolonged discomfort or delayed treatment of serious conditions like melanoma. Podiatrists trained in dermoscopy can make earlier and more precise diagnoses, potentially saving lives and minimising invasive treatments.