Ringworm of the Skin
Exams and Tests
Doctors often can easily recognize ringworm by its ring-shaped rash
. Your doctor will probably also look at a skin sample (KOH preparation) under a microscope to confirm that fungus is present.
Tests for ringworm of the skin include:
- A KOH (potassium hydroxide) preparation. This test can help your doctor find out whether a fungus is causing your rash. The doctor will take a sample of your skin by lightly scraping the infected area. The sample is placed on a slide with potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution and gently heated. If fungus cells are present, the doctor can then see them with a microscope.
- A fungal culture (skin culture). This test can identify the type of fungus that is causing your infection. Usually a culture is only done if the diagnosis is difficult or the skin condition is not responding to treatment. This test may take up to 4 weeks, because it takes time for the fungus to grow.
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| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: April 19, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology | |
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