Dermoscopic Visualization of the Auspitz Sign: A Comparative Study on Diagnostic Efficiency and Patient Comfort in Plaque Psoriasis
Umamaheshwar Reddy, Varadraj V Pai, Pankaj ShuklaAbstract
Introduction:
Auspitz is probably the most well-known dermatologic sign in psoriatic plaques. The traditional methods of elicitation using a glass slide scraping can be time-consuming and distressing for the patient. This study investigates the utility of dermoscopy as an assistive tool to visualize punctate hemorrhage at an earlier stage of the grattage test (dermoscopic Auspitz sign [DAS]), taking into account other parameters like speed and the discomfort experienced by the patient.
Materials and Methods:
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted on two sets of identical plaques (50 each). Clinical Auspitz sign (CAS) was performed over one plaque, and DAS was performed over the other plaque, and they were analyzed with respect to speed, number of scrapings, and pain severity.
Results:
The average DAS is more than three times faster than CAS, requiring a reduced number of scrapings. The pain score with CAS is much higher than with DAS. The difference between the two (CAS/DAS) with respect to speed and discomfort was significant (
Conclusion:
Our study showed that DAS is quicker, and the patient is more comfortable with a better acceptability, making it more patient-friendly compared to the clinical Auspitz sign.