Microscopic Skin Examination for Fungi Detection (Body Skin: Groin)

What is it? 

It is a microscopic examination designed to detect the presence of fungal infections in the skin. During the examination, skin scrapings are taken from a suspicious area (e.g., zone of redness, scaling, or itching) and microscopically examined to determine if fungal spores or hyphae are present. This 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 when 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 appropriate treatment – antifungal or other if the infection is ruled out; 
• Reduces the risk of unnecessary or inappropriate treatment. 

How is the examination performed? 

A special instrument (sterile spatula) is used to collect scrapings 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 may be known the same or the next day. 

Examination Sites and Specifics 

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

1. Scalp – examined for scaling, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections such as tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – often examined for foot itching, skin cracks, or scaling. Common case – tinea pedis (“athlete’s foot”). 
3. Body skin (groin) – fungal infections are common in the groin area due to heat and moisture. Symptoms: redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Interdigital (feet) – one of the most common sites of 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 for both fungal and bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps differentiate these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – examination is performed for unclear skin changes or non-specific symptoms when mycosis needs to be ruled out. 
8. Under the breast – particularly important for 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, 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.