Microscopic Skin Examination for Fungal Detection (Body Skin: Interdigital Areas of Feet)

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., 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 for quick and accurate determination of whether symptoms are caused by a fungal infection; 
• Helps in selecting appropriate treatment – antifungal or other if infection is ruled out; 
• Reduces the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate treatment. 

How is the examination performed? 

Special tools (a sterile spatula) are used to collect scrapings from the affected 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 or the next day. 

Examination Areas and Specifics 

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

1. Scalp – examined in case of flaking, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections such as tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – especially frequently examined due to itching, skin cracks, or scaling on the feet. 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 areas (feet) – one of the most common sites for foot fungus. May manifest as skin flaking, cracking, or unpleasant odor. 
5. Back skin – examined in case of spots, rashes, itching, or pigmentation changes. Suspected superficial fungal infections. 
6. Armpits – a common site not only for fungi but also for bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps differentiate these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – examination is performed in case of unclear skin changes or nonspecific symptoms when it is necessary to rule out mycosis. 
8. Under the breast – important to examine, especially in women, when due to sweating favorable conditions for infections under the breast (intertrigo) are formed. 
9. Hand skin – a frequent site for fungal infections or contact dermatitis. Examined in case of 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, scaling.