Optical Imaging in Dermatology

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomedical Optics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 848

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Porphyria and Rare Diseases Unit, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute—IRCCS, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
Interests: dermoscopy; dermatosurgery; trichology; nail diseases; non melanoma skin cancers; melanoma; dermatology imaging; confocal microscopy; optical coherence tomography

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Optical imaging has revolutionized dermatological practice by providing the non-invasive, real-time visualization of the skin's structural and functional properties. From basic reflectance confocal microscopy to advanced techniques like optical coherence tomography (OCT), multiphoton microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy, these imaging modalities offer unprecedented insights into the skin's microarchitecture and biochemical composition.

This Special Issue aims to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and future directions in utilizing optical imaging techniques to enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of skin diseases.

We welcome original research articles, reviews, short communications, case reports, and interesting images on the following topics:

Advanced Imaging Modalities: Articles introducing and evaluating cutting-edge optical imaging technologies, such as super-resolution microscopy, hyperspectral imaging, and photoacoustic imaging, and their potential applications in dermatology.

Diagnostic Accuracy and Efficiency: Studies assessing the diagnostic accuracy of optical imaging techniques compared to traditional methods, as well as their ability to improve early detection and differentiation of skin conditions.

In Vivo Imaging of Skin Physiology and Pathology: Research focusing on the use of optical imaging to investigate skin physiology, monitor disease progression, and evaluate treatment responses in vivo.

Image Analysis and Artificial Intelligence: Contributions exploring the integration of advanced image analysis algorithms and artificial intelligence in interpreting optical imaging data, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, and facilitating personalized medicine.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Victor Desmond Mandel
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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Keywords

  • optical imaging
  • dermatology
  • reflectance confocal microscopy
  • optical coherence tomography
  • multiphoton microscopy
  • Raman spectroscopy
  • super-resolution microscopy
  • hyperspectral imaging

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

16 pages, 1532 KB  
Article
An Ultra-Low-Cost Optoacoustic Method for Imaging Specific Biological Structures
by Sergio Contador, Álvaro Jiménez, Eduardo Lage, Carla López and Juan Aguirre
Diagnostics 2026, 16(3), 436; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16030436 - 1 Feb 2026
Viewed by 440
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Optoacoustic imaging technologies are emerging as promising tools for clinical practice. Several systems have the potential to fill specific niches in the medical imaging landscape thanks to a unique performance based on the combination of rich optical absorption contrast and high ultrasonic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Optoacoustic imaging technologies are emerging as promising tools for clinical practice. Several systems have the potential to fill specific niches in the medical imaging landscape thanks to a unique performance based on the combination of rich optical absorption contrast and high ultrasonic penetration-to-resolution ratios. However, current optoacoustic methods rely on tomographic reconstructions, which impose significant complexity on the systems in terms of number and distribution of transducers, acquisition electronics, and general operation. As a result, optoacoustic tomography apparatus are generally expensive and bulky and require intensive training for their operation. Here, we report on an optoacoustic imaging method that uses a single ultrasound transducer and non-tomographic image formation to overcome the drawbacks of classical tomographic methods. The method is designed for retrieving layered slab-like biological structures like tattoo ink, subcutaneous fat, muscles, or cerebrospinal fluid below the fontanelle. Moreover, it can be adapted to other geometries. Methods: We have implemented the method in a user-friendly, compact, simple, and low-cost system and tested its performance using simulations, synthetic phantoms, and biological phantoms containing tattoo ink. Results: Our results indicate that the system can discriminate slab-like structures from other shapes and recover them with the axial resolution of tomographic optoacoustic methods. The findings also suggest that the system has the potential to improve tattoo removal procedures. We further discuss its implications for pediatrics, traumatology, or endocrinology. Conclusions: This work paves the way for a new generation of simple, easy-to-use and low-cost imaging systems with the potential to impact several medical fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical Imaging in Dermatology)
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