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

What is it? 

It is a microscopic examination used to determine the presence of a fungal infection in the skin. During the examination, skin scrapings are taken from suspicious areas (e.g., redness, flaking, or itching zones) and examined microscopically to see if there are any fungal spores or hyphae. This is a quick and informative method to diagnose 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 usual 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 to choose the appropriate treatment – antifungal or other, if the infection is ruled out; 
• Reduces the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate treatment. 

How is the examination performed? 

Special tools (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 on the same or the next day. 

Examination areas and specifications 

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

1. Scalp – examined for flaking, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Fungal infections such as tinea capitis are suspected. 
2. Foot skin – especially often examined for foot itching, skin cracks, or flaking. 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 include redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Interdigital spaces (feet) – one of the most common locations for foot fungus. Symptoms may include skin flaking, cracking, or unpleasant odor. 
5. Back skin – examined for spots, rashes, itching, or pigmentation changes. Surface fungal infections are suspected. 
6. Armpits – a common area not only for fungi but also for bacterial inflammations. A microscopic examination helps to distinguish these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – examination is performed for unclear skin changes or non-specific symptoms when fungal infection needs to be ruled out. 
8. Under the breast – important to examine, especially in women, when perspiration creates favorable conditions for infections under the breast (intertrigo). 
9. Hand skin – a common location for fungal infections or contact dermatitis. Examined for redness, peeling, or itching. 
10. Facial skin – examined when seborrheic or fungal infection is suspected, and standard treatment is ineffective. Symptoms may include rashes, redness, flaking.