Signs and Symptoms of Fungal Infection
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.
Fungal Infection 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.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 01 Sep 2000
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 04 Dec 2007
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