In Vivo Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy in Dermatology

Abstract

In vivo confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLMS) using 830 nm diode laser has been reported in Dermatology. CLMS is a device that can non-invasively and in real time obtain horizontal cross-sectional images up to around upper dermis (up to 300 μm). CLMS image has the characteristic that places with high refractive index and scattering coefficient are captured as high-brightness reflection images. Therefore, melanin is the best contrast source for CLMS image in human skin. In this time, not only facial benign pigmentation, such as solar lentigine, melasma, and acquired dermal melanocytosis, but also extramammary Paget’s disease are reported.