Microscopic examination of the skin to detect fungi (back skin)

What is it? 

This is a microscopic test 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., a zone of redness, scaling, or itching) and microscopically examined 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 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 regular treatment or the diagnosis is unclear; 
• In the presence of symptoms similar to contact dermatitis or other inflammatory diseases. 

Benefits: 

• Allows quick and accurate determination of whether 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 test performed? 

Special tools (a sterile spatula) are 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. The result can be known the same day or the next day. 

Test locations and specifics 

Microscopic skin tests are performed on various parts of the body – depending on the location of symptoms. Although the principle of the test is the same, each area has its own features: 

1. Scalp – examined for flaking, 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 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 sites of foot fungus. May 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 for both fungal and bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps to distinguish these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – the test is performed in the presence of unclear skin changes or nonspecific symptoms when there is a need to rule out the possibility of mycosis. 
8. Under the breast – important to test 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.