Microscopic Examination of Skin for Fungal Detection (Hand Skin)

What is it? 

This is a microscopic examination aimed at detecting the presence of fungal infection in the skin. During the examination, skin scrapings are taken from a suspicious area (e.g., areas of redness, scaling, or itching) and are microscopically examined for the presence of fungal spores or hyphae. This is a quick and informative method for diagnosing skin mycoses (fungal infections). 

When is it recommended? 

• When there is itching, redness, scaling, or skin cracks; 
• Suspected skin mycosis (e.g., tinea corporis, tinea pedis, etc.); 
• When the skin condition does not improve with conventional treatment or the diagnosis is unclear; 
• In the presence of symptoms similar to contact dermatitis or other inflammatory diseases. 

Benefits: 

• Allows for quick and accurate detection of whether symptoms are caused by a fungal infection; 
• Helps select appropriate treatment – antifungal or another if infection is ruled out; 
• Reduces the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate treatment. 

How is the examination performed? 

Using a special instrument (sterile spatula), scrapings are collected from the affected area of the skin. They are placed on a microscope slide, treated with a special solution (e.g., KOH), and examined under a microscope. The result can be known the same day or the next day. 

Examination sites and specifics 

Microscopic skin examinations are performed in various body areas depending on the localization of symptoms. While the examination principle is the same, each zone has its own characteristics: 

1. Scalp – examined for flaking, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections such as tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – especially often examined for foot itchiness, skin cracks, or scaling. Common case – tinea pedis (“athlete's foot”). 
3. Body skin (groin) – fungal infections are common in the groin area due to warmth and moisture. Symptoms: redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Between toes – one of the most common locations for foot fungus. Can manifest as skin scaling, cracking, or unpleasant odor. 
5. Back skin – examined for spots, rashes, itching, or pigmentation changes. Suspected superficial fungal infections. 
6. Armpits – a common area not only for fungi but also for bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps differentiate these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – examination is performed for unclear skin changes or nonspecific symptoms when the possibility of mycosis needs to be ruled out. 
8. Under the breast – important to examine especially in women when sweat creates favorable conditions for infections under the breast (intertrigo). 
9. Hand skin – a common location for fungal infections or contact dermatitis. Examined for redness, flaking, or itching. 
10. Facial skin – examined when seborrheic or fungal infection is suspected and standard treatment is ineffective. Symptoms may include rashes, redness, and scaling.