04/15/2026
Ever wonder what that small device your dermatologist uses is?
That device is a specialized handheld magnifier called a dermatoscope.
This tool magnifies the skin 10 times larger than what you can see with the naked eye. A dermatoscope uses polarization, which decreases scattered and reflected light. This, essentially, acts as a filter, allowing your doctor to see past the surface of your skin and into the two layers called the epidermis and dermis. Before your physician uses the dermatoscope, they’ll generally first give your skin a thorough head-to-toe visual inspection.
Read our full article for more information on the dermatoscope: https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-what-is-that-small-device-my-dermatologist-uses/
