Microscopic Skin Examination for Fungi Detection (Back Skin)

What is it? 

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

When is it recommended? 

• When itching, redness, flaking, 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 determination if symptoms are caused by a fungal infection; 
• Helps select the appropriate treatment - antifungal or otherwise if infection is ruled out; 
• Reduces the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate treatment. 

How is the examination performed? 

Using a special tool (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 symptom localization. Although the principle of the examination is the same, each zone has its own characteristics: 

1. Scalp – examined for flaking, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Fungal infections such as tinea capitis are suspected. 
2. Foot skin – often examined for foot itching, skin cracks, or flaking. A common case is 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 (toes) – one of the most common sites for foot fungus. Symptoms may include skin flaking, cracking, or unpleasant odor. 
5. Back skin – examined for spots, rashes, itching, or pigmentation changes. Superficial fungal infections are suspected. 
6. Armpits – a common site not only for fungi but also for bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps distinguish 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 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, peeling, or itching. 
10. Facial skin – examined when seborrheic or fungal infection is suspected and standard treatment is ineffective. Symptoms may include rashes, redness, flaking.