Microscopic Skin Examination for Fungus Detection (Abdominal Skin)

What is it? 

This is a microscopic examination used to determine the presence of a fungal infection on the skin. During the examination, skin scrapings are taken from a suspicious area (e.g., zone of redness, flaking, or itching) and are microscopically examined for fungal spores or hyphae. It is a quick and informative method for diagnosing 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 the diagnosis is unclear; 
• When symptoms resemble contact dermatitis or other inflammatory diseases. 

Benefits: 

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

How is the examination performed? 

Using a special tool (a 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. The result can be known the same or the next day. 

Examination locations and specifics 

Microscopic skin examinations are conducted on various body areas depending on the localization of symptoms. Although the examination principle 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 frequently examined for foot itching, skin cracks, or flaking. 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: redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Toe web spaces – one of the most common sites for foot fungus. May present with 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 area not only for fungi but also for bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps differentiate these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – examination is performed for unclear skin changes or nonspecific symptoms when there is a need to exclude the possibility of mycosis. 
8. Under the breast – important to examine, especially in women, when conditions favorable for infections under the breast (intertrigo) are created due to sweating. 
9. Hand skin – a common site for fungal infections or contact dermatitis. Examined when there is 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.