Microscopic examination of the skin for fungi (foot skin)

What is it? 

This is a microscopic examination designed to detect 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 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 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 standard treatment or the 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 select appropriate treatment – antifungal or other if the infection is ruled out; 
• Reduces the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate treatment. 

How is the examination performed? 

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

Examination sites and specifics 

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

1. Scalp – examined for flaking, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections such as 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 in the groin area are common due to heat and moisture. Symptoms: redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Interdigital (feet) – one of the most common places for foot fungus. It can manifest as skin peeling, cracking, or an 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 distinguish these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – examination is performed for unclear skin changes or nonspecific symptoms when there is a need to rule out 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.