OVERVIEW:
Superficial (affecting parts of the outer body) affects the skin, genital area, and nails. Superficial infections include athlete's foot, vaginal yeast infections, and ringworm, which is not a worm but a fungus that can cause a circular rash on the skin. While not serious, superficial fungal infections can cause itchy, scaly rashes, and uncomfortable conditions.
·
BIOPSY: A biopsy is the removal of a small amount of tissue. In this procedure doctor diagnose many different types of fungal infections refer to tissue which has been removed from a living body for examination, to discover the presence, cause, or extent of a disease.
FUNGAL SMEAR KOH LAB TEST:
The skin lesion KOH exam is a simple test that helps doctors identify fungal infections on a person's skin, hair, and nails. This test is also known as a fungal smear or potassium hydroxide test.
Q1. How is the test performed?
A skin lesion KOH exam is a very simple test. The doctor will take a tool to scrape and remove some of the skin, which is known as a skin scraping procedure. They then place the skin scrapings into a liquid containing potassium hydroxide, or KOH, which will destroy all cells that are not fungal cells. Next, the sample is looked at under the microscope, making it is very easy to see if there is a fungus in the sample.
Q2. What are the risks associated with this test?
There is no significant risk associated with the test. A small bruise or mild soreness is common and can last for a few days.
WHY GET TESTED?
The KOH smear test looks for different fungal infections. These infections may include:
- Ringworm
- Athlete’s foot
- Oral or vaginal candida