Microscopic Examination of Skin for Fungi Detection (under the breast 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., redness, scaling, or itching zone) and are microscopically examined to see if they contain 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 cracking; 
• Suspected skin mycosis (e.g., tinea corporis, tinea pedis, etc.); 
• When skin condition does not improve with standard treatment or diagnosis is unclear; 
• In the presence of symptoms similar to contact dermatitis or other inflammatory diseases. 

Benefits: 

• Allows for quick and accurate determination of whether 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? 

With a special tool (a 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 the same day or the next. 

Examination sites and specifics 

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

1. Scalp – examined for flaking, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections such as tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – especially frequently examined for foot itching, skin cracks, or flaking. A common case is tinea pedis (“athlete’s foot”). 
3. Body skin (groin) – fungal infections in the groin area are common due to warmth and moisture. Symptoms: redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Between toes (feet) – one of the most common sites 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 site 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 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, flaking, or itching. 
10. Facial skin – examined when seborrheic or fungal infection is suspected, and standard treatment is ineffective. Symptoms may include rashes, redness, scaling.