Microscopic Skin Examination for Fungi Detection (Scalp)

What is it? 

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

Benefits: 

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

How is the examination performed? 

Special tools (sterile spatula) are 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. Results may be available the same or next day. 

Examination Locations and Specificity 

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

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. A 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 spaces (toes) – one of the most common areas for foot fungus. May present with skin peeling, cracking, or unpleasant odor. 
5. Back skin – examined in cases of spots, rashes, itching, or pigmentation changes. Suspected superficial fungal infections. 
6. Armpits – a common area not only for fungi but also for bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps differentiate these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – examination is performed in cases of unclear skin changes or nonspecific symptoms when the possibility of mycosis needs to be ruled out. 
8. Under the breast – especially important to examine in women, where moisture from 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.