New developments in fluorescence diagnostics

Abstract

In the last decade, significant advances have been achieved in the direct viewing of the skin. Non-invasive analysis of various skin diseases in vivo has become possible by special skin display devices, allowing the physician to view the structure and properties of the skin in greater detail than can be achieved by simple visual examination. We review the last 100 years of fluorescence imaging development from clinical observation to advanced spectral imaging, addressing the role of fluorescence diagnostics (FD) in modern dermatology as well as the detection of autofluorescence.