What methods will help to quickly and effectively diagnose microsporia

Microsporia or ringworm — This is a disease of fungal etiology, which is characterized by damage to the skin and its appendages. Diagnosis of ringworm is based on data from a characteristic clinical picture. However, instrumental and laboratory diagnostic methods are used to confirm microsporia in a patient. These include the use of a Wood's fluorescent lamp, light microscopy and dermatoscopy, and culture methods. Read more about the effective diagnosis of microsporia on estet-portal.com in this article.

Effective methods of clinical diagnosis of microsporia

Ringworm — a disease that has a characteristic clinical picture. However, there are times when this diagnosis is questioned. For example, in patients with a history of other dermatological conditions, microsporia may masquerade as these skin lesions.

In order to increase the efficiency of laboratory tests, it is necessary to collect material only from pre-cleaned skin.

Laboratory methods can confirm the presence of microsporia. Diagnosis of ringworm includes examination of skin scrapings, fragments of hair or nails.  

Microsporia:
•    luminescent study for effective diagnosis of microsporia;
•    use of dermatoscopy and microscopy for the diagnosis of microsporia;
•    cultural research methods in diagnostics   microsporia.

Luminescent study for effective diagnosis of microsporia

One of the simplest methods for diagnosing microsporia, which allows you to confirm the presence of a fungal infection, is a fluorescent study. This method works for:
•    defining fungal infections of the skin and hair;
•    assessing the effectiveness of the treatment;
•    control of contact persons;
•    determining the presence of infection in pets, for their subsequent treatment.

For fluorescent diagnostics, a Wood's lamp is used, which is a source of ultraviolet radiation. Microsporia-affected hairs glow under a Woods lamp with a characteristic bright green color.

The use of dermatoscopy and microscopy for the diagnosis of microsporia

In order to confirm the fungal etiology of the disease, microscopic examination is necessary. Microscopic examination of the hair reveals multiple spores on its surface. The presence of filaments of mycelium is also characteristic. To improve the efficiency of light microscopy, hair samples are treated with a special solution of alkali, which softens the cuticle, and allows you to better visualize the internal structure of the hair. Most often, the fungus destroys the hair cuticle, however, when the process is running, it can also penetrate into its medulla.

Cultural research methods in diagnostics   microsporia

Hair, nail plates, as well as scrapings from the affected skin can be used as material for bacteriological examination.

The growth of microsporia pathogen colonies is most often observed three days after sowing.

The cultural method of research does not apply to routine diagnostic methods, since it takes a lot of time. It is used not only to accurately identify the pathogen, but also to determine the most effective antimycotic drugs.