Non-Invasive Imaging in Dermatology: Advances and Applications

Non-invasive imaging techniques have become increasingly important in dermatology, providing detailed, in vivo assessment of the skin without the need for biopsy. Modalities such as dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT), high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), and multiphoton microscopy (MPM) allow visualization of skin architecture at different depths and resolutions. These methods have demonstrated value in the diagnosis and management of both malignant and inflammatory skin diseases, as well as in treatment monitoring and longitudinal follow-up. Ongoing technical refinements are improving image resolution, acquisition speed, and ease of use, thereby broadening clinical applicability. As the body of evidence grows, non-invasive imaging is increasingly integrated into routine dermatologic practice and research, complementing histopathology and enhancing our understanding of cutaneous physiology and pathology.

The goal of this Research Topic is to highlight recent advances and applications of non-invasive imaging techniques in dermatology, with a focus on their clinical and research relevance. While histopathology remains the diagnostic gold standard, there is a growing need for approaches that enable repeated, real-time, in vivo evaluation of skin structure and pathology. Non-invasive modalities such as dermoscopy, reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM), optical coherence tomography (OCT), line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT), high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS), and multiphoton microscopy (MPM) provide complementary information at different depths and resolutions. Despite substantial progress, challenges remain regarding standardization, validation across populations and disease types, and incorporation into routine clinical workflows.

This Research Topic aims to consolidate current evidence and present novel applications of these techniques in order to refine diagnostic strategies, improve monitoring of therapeutic interventions, and expand our understanding of cutaneous pathophysiology. By bringing together contributions from clinical practice, translational research, and technical development, the collection seeks to define knowledge gaps and guide future directions in dermatologic imaging.


The collection seeks to bring together studies on the role of non-invasive imaging in dermatology, with emphasis on its diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications. Submissions may address the following themes, but not limited to:

- Imaging in skin cancer detection and management
- Evaluation of inflammatory dermatoses
- Infectious conditions, and rare skin disorders
- Monitoring of treatment response and longitudinal follow-up
- Technical improvements
- Comparative studies between modalities
- Standardization of imaging protocols
- Validation across diverse clinical settings

We welcome the following article types: Original Research, Systematic Review, Review, Mini Review, Methods, Brief Research Report, Case Report, Perspective, Hypothesis and Theory, Policy & Practice Review, Technology & Code, Study Protocol, Classification, Data Report, Opinion, and Clinical Trial.

Keywords: Dermatology, Non-invasive imaging, Skin diseases, Microscopy, Ultrasonography, High-frequency ultrasound, Inflammatory skin diseases

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.