Photography of dermatological conditions using polarized light.
The author set up a photographic trial in order to determine the practicality of using photography with parallel- and cross-polarized light alongside routine clinical photography, and the usefulness of the resultant images in comparison with conventional photographs. It was found that the technique added no more than 5 min to patient contact time, and that the attendant cost was minimal. Parallel-polarization has proved relatively valueless, but cross-polarization significantly enhanced the definition of pigmented lesions, and has considerable potential as a technique for documenting specific conditions, and as a teaching aid.
McFall
K
K
Gartnavel General Hospital, Glasgow, UK.
D006801:Humans; D007089:Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods; D008029:Lighting / Q000379:methods; D010781:Photography / Q000379:methods*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000473:pathology*