Microscopic Skin Examination for Fungi Detection (Back Skin)

What is it? 

This is a microscopic examination designed to determine the presence of a fungal infection in the skin. During the examination, samples are collected from suspicious areas (e.g., zones of redness, flakiness, or itching) and microscopically examined for fungal spores or hyphae. This method is a quick and informative way 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 standard treatment or when the diagnosis is unclear; 
• When symptoms are similar to contact dermatitis or other inflammatory conditions. 

Benefits: 

• Allows for fast and accurate detection of whether symptoms are caused by a fungal infection; 
• Helps in selecting 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? 

Using a special tool (a sterile spatula), skin scrapings are collected from the affected area. These are placed on a microscope slide, treated with a special solution (e.g., KOH), and examined under a microscope. Results may be available the same or the next day. 

Examination sites and specifics 

Microscopic skin examinations are performed on 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. Suspected fungal infections such as tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – particularly often examined for foot itching, skin cracks, or flaking. Common condition – tinea pedis ("athlete's foot"). 
3. Body skin (groin) – fungal infections are common in the groin area due to warmth and moisture. Symptoms include redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Toes (interdigital) – one of the most common sites for foot fungus. May manifest as skin flaking, 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 conducted for unclear skin changes or non-specific symptoms when the possibility of mycosis needs to be excluded. 
8. Under the breast – especially important to examine in women, as sweating creates favorable conditions for infections under the breast (intertrigo). 
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, flaking.