FAQs
A summary is available on the Compare Dermatoscopes page.
We recommend trying it both with and without glasses to see what works best for you.
A 10x magnification is standard for handheld devices.
A 20x magnification is standard for digital video devices with AI.
- Normal/Neutral light: For standard before and after images.
- II Polarised: Suitable for examining wrinkles, skin texture, pores, etc.
- X Polarised: Ideal for pigmentation, vascularisation, scalp imaging (hair loss), scar imaging, etc.
- UV Wood’s Lamp: For melasma, acne and acne scars, rosacea, skin texture, hydration, and oiliness.
The DermLite body can be cleaned or disinfected by wiping it with isopropyl alcohol (70% vol.). Do not use alcohol or disinfectants on the optical areas of the device. Avoid using abrasive materials on any part of the equipment or immersing the device in liquid. Do not autoclave.
The lens and polarising filters (located behind the faceplate) should be treated like high-quality photographic equipment, cleaned with standard lens cleaning products, and protected from harmful chemicals.
To clean the faceplate and movable spacer, simply extend the spacer and detach the snap-on faceplate. Take extra care around the exposed sensitive optical components inside the spacer.
The optics should be cleaned using standard lens cleaning equipment and protected from harmful chemicals
- No Light
Replace or recharge the battery depending on the model and check again. - Weak Light
Replace the battery with a new one; you have approximately 30 minutes of battery life remaining before the unit will stop functioning. - Light Flickers
Remove the battery and inspect the metal contacts for dirt, dust, or damage. Wipe off any dust and reinsert the battery. If there are signs of corrosion, discard the battery and replace it with a new one. If the flickering persists, please contact your local DermLite dealer. - LED Failure
The LEDs in DermLite devices are designed to last over 100,000 hours. If any of the LEDs fail, please contact your local DermLite reseller for repairs.
Alcohol gel is preferred, as it is easily accessible in the examination room and reduces the theoretical risk of cross-contamination. For areas around the eyes and nails, ultrasound gel is recommended as it will not irritate the eye and will not run off the nail.
For instruments with cross-polarised lenses, immersion oil is not necessary; however, care should be taken to keep the instrument clean and avoid cross-contamination between patients.
Dermoscopy allows visualisation of the horizontal plane of a skin lesion only to the level of the papillary dermis. Structures in the reticular dermis are not visible, just as with the naked eye.
Heavily pigmented skin lesions can be difficult to diagnose, and hypopigmented or amelanotic melanomas present a particular diagnostic challenge. Very thick tumours may lack certain dermoscopic features, so clinical experience and diagnosis remain crucial for these lesions.
If diagnostic uncertainty persists with dermoscopy, the lesion should be biopsied. Dermoscopy is not 100% accurate, so it is important to keep that in mind!