Microscopic Examination of Skin for Fungi Detection (Facial Skin)

What is it? 

This is a microscopic examination aimed at detecting the presence of fungal infections in the skin. During the examination, skin scrapings are taken from suspicious areas (e.g., redness, scaling, or itching zones) and microscopically analyzed to determine if they contain fungal spores or hyphae. It is a quick and informative method for diagnosing skin mycoses (fungal infections). 

When is it recommended? 

• When itching, redness, scaling, or skin cracks appear; 
• 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 cases of symptoms resembling contact dermatitis or other inflammatory diseases. 

Benefits: 

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

How is the examination performed? 

With a special tool (sterile spatula), scrapings are collected from the affected skin area. 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 on the same or the next day. 

Examination locations and specifics 

Microscopic examinations of the skin are performed on various body parts depending on the location of symptoms. Although the principle of the examination is the same, each area has its peculiarities: 

1. Scalp – examined for flaking, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections include tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – especially often examined for foot itching, skin cracks, or scaling. A common case is tinea pedis (“athlete’s foot”). 
3. Body skin (groin) – fungal infections are common in the groin area due to heat and moisture. Symptoms include redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Interdigital spaces (feet) – one of the most common locations for foot fungus. It can manifest as skin flaking, cracking, or unpleasant odor. 
5. Back skin – examined for spots, rashes, itching, or pigmentation changes. Suspected superficial fungal infections. 
6. Armpits – a common place 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 it is necessary to rule out the possibility of mycosis. 
8. Under the breast – important to examine, especially in women, when sweating creates favorable conditions for infections under the breast (intertrigo). 
9. Hand skin – a common site for fungal infections or contact dermatitis. Examined for redness, scaling, or itching. 
10. Facial skin – examined when seborrheic or fungal infection is suspected, and standard treatment is ineffective. Symptoms may include rashes, redness, scaling.