Microscopic Examination of Skin for Fungi Detection (Foot Skin)

What is it? 

This is a microscopic examination aimed at detecting the presence of fungal infection in the skin. During the examination, scrapings from a suspicious area (e.g., redness, scaling, or itching zone) are taken from the Skin and microscopically examined for fungal spores or hyphae. It is a quick and informative method to diagnose 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 skin condition does not improve with usual treatment or the diagnosis is unclear; 
• When symptoms are similar to contact dermatitis or other inflammatory diseases. 

Benefits: 

• Allows for quick and accurate determination if symptoms are caused by a fungal infection; 
• Helps to 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? 

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

Examination sites and specifics 

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

1. Scalp – examined for scaling, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections such as tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – especially often examined due to foot itching, skin cracks, or scaling. Common case – tinea pedis (“athlete’s foot”). 
3. Body skin (groin) – fungal infections in the groin area are common due to heat and moisture. Symptoms: redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Toes (interdigital) – one of the most common areas for foot fungus. May 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 – common place not only for fungi but also for bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps to 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 – especially important to examine in women when sweating creates favorable conditions for infections under the breast (intertrigo). 
9. Hand skin – common area for fungal infections or contact dermatitis. Examined for redness, flakiness, or itching. 
10. Facial skin – examined when seborrheic or fungal infection is suspected, and standard treatment is ineffective. Symptoms may include rashes, redness, scaling.