Assessment of Digital Imaging as a Tool for Diagnosing Psoriasis, Hand Rashes and Unusual Moles

Overview

This study will evaluate whether digital photography is a reliable tool for diagnosing hand rashes, psoriasis and unusual moles. The findings will help determine if this method can be used in the National Health and Nutrition Examination survey (NHANES), which monitors disease in the United States. Employees of the National Institutes of Health 19 years and older may enroll in this study. Participants will complete a brief questionnaire that includes information on skin type, history of skin conditions (moles, cancer, rashes, psoriasis), and demographic information such as name, age and sex. They will be examined by a dermatologist, who will note in writing the appearance of any hand rashes, unusual moles, or psoriasis. If any areas suspicious for skin cancer are found, the participant will receive this information in writing, along with advice about where to go for treatment. A total of six photographs will then be taken of the participant's arms, legs, hands and back. The face will not be photographed, and the participants will not be identifiable.

This validation study is designed to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, validity and reliability of digital photography of the skin as a prevalence assessment tool in preparation for the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2001 (NHANES IV). NHANES is charged with monitoring disease in the U.S. population, which is affected frequently by skin disorders and disease. The three skin disorders proposed for study in NHANES IV are atypical nevi, psoriasis, and hand dermatitis. This selection is based on the expected impact of these diseases on the U.S. population, including a prevalence of 3-10%, associated risk of melanoma in the case of atypical nevi, and associated disability in the cases of psoriasis and hand dermatitis. This skin disease section of NHANES, as currently planned for 2001, includes an imaging component with four standardized photographs to be obtained from each survey participant (SP). The selection of the regions to be photographed is designed to maximize the information obtained, while preserving patient privacy and is based on the known distribution of clinical findings of the three conditions, as well as NHANES logistical limitations. This validation study is a cooperative effort between the NIAMS extramural programs, the NCI intramural program, and the National Center for Health Statistics.