Microscopic Skin Examination to Detect Fungi (Abdominal Skin)

What is it? 

It is a microscopic examination designed to detect the presence of a fungal infection in the skin. During the examination, skin scrapings are taken from a suspicious area (e.g., redness, scaling, or itching zone) and microscopically examined for fungal spores or hyphae. 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; 
• Suspecting skin mycosis (e.g., tinea corporis, tinea pedis, etc.); 
• When the skin condition does not improve with usual treatment or the diagnosis is unclear; 
• Having symptoms similar to contact dermatitis or other inflammatory diseases. 

Benefits: 

• Allows 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 test performed? 

Special tools (a sterile spatula) are used to collect scrapings 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 may be known the same or the next day. 

Test locations and specifics 

Microscopic skin examinations are performed in various body areas based on symptom localization. Although the principal method 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 examined for itching, skin cracks, or scaling. A common case is tinea pedis (“athlete's foot”). 
3. Body skin (groin) – fungal infections are common in the groin area due to warmth and moisture. Symptoms: redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Between toes – one of the most common places for foot fungus. May manifest as skin scaling, cracking, or an 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 distinguish these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – examination is performed for unclear skin changes or nonspecific symptoms when mycosis needs to be ruled out. 
8. Under the breast – especially important to examine 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, scaling.