Innovative Use of Felt-tip Pen Applicator for Uniform Spread of Linkage Fluid during Dermatoscopy

© 2018 Indian Dermatology Online Journal | Published by Wolters Kluwer Medknow Onychoscopy (nail unit dermatoscopy) and nail‐fold capillaroscopy (NFC) are techniques increasingly being used to enable visualization of nail features and vascular components in proximal nail‐fold (PNF), respectively. These require examination under polarized light to best discern the details. For this, a uniform application of a thin film of immersion fluid (oil or alcohol) is imperative; especially so for visualizing capillary architecture at higher magnifications.[1] Yet there are no standardized application techniques available. An earlier study had comparatively evaluated the use of an eye dropper, rolling with the lens of the dermatoscope, or the use of plastic misting bottle for spraying the fluid over the area to be examined.[2] The problems however are, that the application can be very messy (especially with oil); may produce an irregular fluid film (oil can be difficult to spread uniformly); or may carry particles or air bubbles, obscuring the field of examination and introducing artefacts.