Skin microscopic examination to detect fungi (underarm skin)

What is it? 

It is a microscopic examination aimed at detecting 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 examined microscopically to check for the presence of 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 occur; 
• 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; 
• When symptoms resemble contact dermatitis or other inflammatory conditions. 

Benefits: 

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

How is the examination conducted? 

Special tools (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. 

Examination areas and specifics 

Microscopic examinations of the skin are performed on various body parts – depending on the localization of symptoms. Although the principle of the examination is the same, each area has its own peculiarities: 

1. Scalp – examined in case of flaking, itching, red spots, or hair loss. Suspected fungal infections such as tinea capitis. 
2. Foot skin – frequently examined for itching, skin cracks, or scaling on the feet. 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 humidity. Symptoms include redness, itching, discomfort. 
4. Interdigital spaces (feet) – one of the most common areas for foot fungus. It may present as skin peeling, cracking, or an unpleasant odor. 
5. Back skin – examined for spots, rashes, itching, or pigmentation changes. Suspected superficial fungal infections. 
6. Underarms – a common area not only for fungi but also for bacterial inflammations. Microscopic examination helps distinguish these conditions. 
7. Abdominal skin – the examination is performed for unclear skin changes or nonspecific symptoms when it is necessary to rule out mycosis. 
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, scaling, or itching. 
10. Facial skin – examined when seborrheic or fungal infection is suspected, and standard treatment is ineffective. Symptoms may include rashes, redness, scaling.