dermatoscope
(der-MA-toh-SKOPE)
A small, handheld device used to examine the skin, nails, scalp, and hair. A dermatoscope has a light and a special magnifying lens that can show skin lesions or other suspicious areas on the skin more clearly than the eye alone. Sometimes a thin layer of alcohol, gel, or oil is placed on the skin lesion to make it easier to see. Some dermatoscopes can also take pictures or videos of the area being examined. A dermatoscope may be used to help diagnose skin cancer or other skin-related conditions, such as vitiligo, scabies, and hair loss.