Microscopic Examination of the Skin for Fungal Detection (Scalp)

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 a suspicious area (e.g., redness, flaking, or itching zone) and microscopically examined to check for the presence of fungal spores or hyphae. It is a quick and informative method for diagnosing skin mycoses (fungal infections). 

When is it recommended? 

• When there is itching, redness, flaking, or skin cracks; 
• 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 of whether symptoms are caused by a fungal infection; 
• Helps in selecting the appropriate treatment – antifungal or otherwise if the infection is ruled out; 
• Reduces the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate treatment. 

How is the examination performed? 

A special tool (sterile spatula) is used to collect scrapings 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. Results can be known the same or the next day. 

Examination Locations and Specifics 

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

1. Scalp – examined for flaking, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections such as tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – particularly often examined for foot itching, skin cracks, or flaking. A common case – tinea pedis (“athlete's foot”). 
3. Body skin (groin) – fungal infections are common in the groin area due to heat and moisture. Symptoms: redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Interdigital spaces (feet) – one of the most common places for foot fungus. 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 for not only fungi but also bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps distinguish 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, flaking.