Microscopic Skin Examination for Fungal Detection (Foot Skin)

What is it? 

This is a microscopic examination aimed at detecting the presence of a fungal infection in the skin. During the examination, skin scrapings are taken from suspicious areas (e.g., zones of redness, scaling, or itching) and examined microscopically to check for the presence of fungal spores or hyphae. It is a quick and informative method to diagnose 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 standard treatment or the diagnosis is unclear; 
• When symptoms resemble contact dermatitis or other inflammatory diseases. 

Benefits: 

• Allows for quick and accurate identification of whether symptoms are caused by a fungal infection; 
• Helps select appropriate treatment – antifungal or other 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. They are placed on a microscope slide, treated with a special solution (e.g., KOH), and examined under a microscope. Results can be known the same or the next day. 

Examination sites and specifics 

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

1. Scalp – examined in cases of scaling, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections such as tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – often examined for itching, skin cracks, or scaling on the feet. 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 spaces (feet) – 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 area not only for fungus but also for bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps distinguish these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – examination is performed in cases of unclear skin changes or nonspecific symptoms to rule out mycosis. 
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 in cases of redness, flaking, or itching. 
10. Facial skin – examined when seborrheic or fungal infection is suspected, and standard treatment is ineffective. Symptoms may include rashes, redness, scaling.