Fungal Infections

Home » Fungal Infections » Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis

Signs and Symptoms

Fungal infections usually appear as a rash. Many conditions may cause a rash, but a doctor may recognize certain rash characteristics that are typical of fungal infections.

Diagnosis

The doctor may suspect a fungal infection if the patient exhibits a characteristic rash. If the patient also has a risk factor, there is a stronger possibility of fungal infection.

If the doctor suspects a fungus infection, there are two main methods to determine the type of fungus. The faster method uses the alkaline solution potassium hydroxide (KOH). A technician places a sample of the rash in KOH solution and heats it. The KOH changes the rash sample so that the fungus shows up more clearly under the microscope. Experts can often identify the fungus by the filaments it sends out through the skin sample.

Another method involves growing a colony of fungus in the laboratory from a rash sample. This is more accurate but may take weeks.

Some fungi exhibit a fluorescent glow when exposed to ultraviolet light. This can also help to identify the fungus causing an infection.

© 1998-2008 Healthcommunities.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Fungal Infections Resources

	Join Our Fungal Infections Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Are you interested in becoming a nurse? Take this test. Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer