Study of role of skin surface biopsy in superficial cutaneous fungal infections

Dr Rajendra Shinde; Dr. Richa Chopra; Dr. Sunil Tolat

Volume : VIII, Issue : VI, June - 2019

Study of role of skin surface biopsy in superficial cutaneous fungal infections

Dr Rajendra Shinde, Dr. Richa Chopra, Dr. Sunil Tolat

Abstract :

Context : Cutaneous fungal infections are very common in a tropical country like India. Though most of them are diagnosed clinically some may require lab investigations. Skin scraping is the commonest way of sample collection but with certain limitations. Skin surface biopsy is another very simple and efficient way of collecting the sample required for lab diagnosis and confirmation of cutaneous fungal infections. Aims : To study the role of skin surface biopsy in superficial cutaneous fungal infections and compare it with scraping. Settings & Design : Hospital based comparative study was done in a rural tertiary care hospital for a duration of 24 months. Materials &Methods : 100 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were enrolled after consent and skin scraping along with skin surface biopsy was done under all aseptic precautions. 10 % KOH mount was prepared and seen under light microscope of both the samples. Results : The positive yield was 86% in skin surface biopsy compared to 74% in scraping. Conclusion : Skin surface biopsy is an easy, cost effective, rapid and efficient method of sample collection in lab diagnosis of superficial cutaneous fungal infections.