Microscopic Skin Examination for Fungal Detection (under the breast skin)

What is it? 

It is a microscopic examination designed to detect the presence of a fungal infection in the skin. During the examination, skin scrapings are taken from the suspicious area (e.g., areas of redness, scaling, or itching) and microscopically examined 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, scaling, or skin cracks; 
• Suspected skin mycosis (e.g., tinea corporis, tinea pedis, etc.); 
• When the skin condition does not improve with standard treatment or if the diagnosis is unclear; 
• When there are symptoms similar to contact dermatitis or other inflammatory conditions. 

Benefits: 

• Allows quick and accurate determination of whether symptoms are caused by a fungal infection; 
• Helps select the appropriate treatment - antifungal or other if infection is ruled out; 
• Reduces the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate treatment. 

How is the examination performed? 

A special tool (a sterile spatula) is 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 locations and specifics 

Microscopic skin examinations are conducted 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 specifics: 

1. Scalp – examined for flaking, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections such as tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – especially often examined for foot itching, 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 include redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Interdigital spaces (feet) – one of the most common areas for foot fungus. Symptoms may include skin flaking, cracking, or an unpleasant odor. 
5. Back skin – examined for spots, rashes, itching, or pigmentation changes. Suspected superficial fungal infections. 
6. Armpits – a frequent area not only for fungi but also for bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps distinguish these conditions. 
7. Abdomen skin – examination is performed for unclear skin changes or nonspecific symptoms when mycosis needs to be ruled out. 
8. Under the breast – important to examine especially for women when conditions for infections under the breast (intertrigo) are favorable due to sweating. 
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, or scaling.