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

What is it? 

This is a microscopic examination designed to determine the presence of a fungal infection in the skin. During the examination, skin scrapings are taken from the 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 cracking occurs; 
• 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 otherwise, if infection is ruled out; 
• Reduces the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate treatment. 

How is the examination performed? 

Using a special tool (a sterile spatula), scrapings are collected from the affected area of the skin. 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 examinations of the skin are performed on various parts of the body – depending on the location of symptoms. Although the principle of examination is the same, each area 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 – often examined for foot itching, skin cracks, or flaking. A common case is 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 for foot fungus. Can present with skin flaking, cracking, or unpleasant odor. 
5. Back skin – examined for spots, rashes, itching, or pigmentation changes. Suspected superficial fungal infections. 
6. Underarms – 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, 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.