Microscopic Skin Examination for Fungal Detection (Facial Skin)

What is it? 

This is a microscopic examination aimed at detecting the presence of fungal infections in the skin. During the examination, skin scrapings are taken from suspicious areas (e.g., zones of redness, scaling, or itching) and are microscopically examined to see if fungal spores or hyphae are present. It is a quick and informative method for diagnosing skin mycoses (fungal infections). 

When is it recommended? 

• When there is itching, redness, scaling, or skin cracking; 
• Suspected skin mycosis (e.g., tinea corporis, tinea pedis, etc.); 
• When the condition of the skin does not improve with standard treatment or the diagnosis is unclear; 
• With 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 the 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 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 on the same or the next day. 

Location and specifics of the examination 

Microscopic skin exams are performed on various parts of the body – depending on the localization of symptoms. Although the principle of the examination 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 due to itching of the feet, skin cracks, or scaling. A common case – 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 (foot) – one of the most common sites for foot fungus. May manifest as skin scaling, cracking, or unpleasant odor. 
5. Back skin – examined for 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 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 favorable conditions for infections under the breast (intertrigo) are created due to sweating. 
9. Hand skin – 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.