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Potassium hydroxide mount with cellophane adhesive tape: a method for direct diagnosis of dermatophyte skin infections
Author(s) -
Raghukumar S.,
Ravikumar B. C.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/ced.13573
Subject(s) - cellophane , potassium hydroxide , dermatophyte , medicine , adhesive , materials science , surgery , dermatology , composite material , chemistry , organic chemistry , layer (electronics)
Summary Background Potassium hydroxide ( KOH ) mount is a simple and rapid procedure that can be performed with minimal resources and provides results within 1–2 h. Aim To further optimize KOH mount using transparent cellophane tape to ascertain fungal elements, even by inexperienced personnel. Methods A split‐body study was conducted on 100 patients with tinea cruris. Conventional scrape method was performed on the right side and the cellophane tape method on the left. Microscopy was performed 1–2 h after collection, and on the next morning and days 3 and 7. Results Of the 100 samples, positive results were seen in 91 (91%) with the standard method and 94 (94%) with the cellophane tape method. Clumping of the fungi and presence of artefacts were more marked with the scrape than with the tape method. Conclusion In view of its merits over the conventional scrape method, the cellophane tape method is a prudent alternative for the detection of superficial fungal infections.