While dermatoscopes were originally invented for use in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma skin cancer, they can be used for viewing and diagnosing many skin diseases. Modified dermatoscopes are quickly becoming a standard in hair research. Images of hair captured by dermatoscopes, and even just modified digital cameras with optical attachments, can be processed using special software to count hair density, diameter, and hair growth rates. Dermatoscopes can be used for a close up examination of many skin diseases including folliculitis, xeroderma pigmentosum, lentigo maligna, dermatofibroma, scar tissue and vascular supply, and a variety of nevi.