Microscopic Examination of the Skin for Fungal Detection (Body Skin: Toe Interdigital Spaces)

What is it? 

This is a microscopic examination aimed at detecting the presence of a 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 examined microscopically to check for the presence of fungal spores or hyphae. It is a quick and informative method to diagnose skin mycoses (fungal infections). 

When is it recommended? 

• When itching, redness, scaling, or skin cracks occur; 
• Suspected skin mycosis (e.g., tinea corporis, tinea pedis, etc.); 
• When the skin condition does not improve with standard treatment or the diagnosis is unclear; 
• With symptoms 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 choose the appropriate treatment – antifungal or otherwise, if infection is ruled out; 
• Reduces the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate treatment. 

How is the examination conducted? 

Using 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 or the next day. 

Examination areas and specifics 

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

1. Scalp – examined in cases of scaling, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections such as tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – especially often examined due to itching of the feet, skin cracks, or scaling. A 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. Toe interdigital spaces – one of the most common sites for foot fungus. It can manifest as skin scaling, cracking, or an unpleasant odor. 
5. Back skin – examined in cases of 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 to differentiate these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – the examination is conducted in cases of 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 favorable conditions for infections (intertrigo) form under the breast due to sweating. 
9. Hand skin – a common site for fungal infections or contact dermatitis. Examined in cases of 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.