Fungal culture for athlete's foot


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Exam Overview


A fungal culture is used to determine whether fungi are present and, if so, what type of fungus it is.

Your doctor will take samples by lightly scraping your skin with a sharp blade or the edge of a microscope slide. He or she may also take toenail samples if the nail is infected. The type of fungus can often be identified by using a microscope to look at the shape of the cells or by detecting color that appears when the cells are stained with special dyes.

Fungi are slow-growing, so it can take up to 6 weeks to identify the fungi and get results.


Why It Is Done


A fungal culture may be done to determine the cause of cracking, scaling, peeling, or blistered skin, or if there is an area of persistent irritation (and sometimes redness) on the feet. The presence of fungi suggests that the condition is athlete's foot (tinea pedis).


Results


Normal

No fungi are present in the skin or nail scrapings. Other skin tests may be done to determine the cause of the skin or nail problems.

Abnormal

Fungi are present, and the type of fungus is identified.

Treatment may vary depending on the type of fungus present.


What To Think About


If you have been diagnosed with athlete's foot before and the symptoms have returned, a fungal culture will probably not be necessary. Your doctor may suggest you treat the infection with nonprescription or prescription antifungal medicine.

Complete the medical test information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this test.


Credits


Author Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Last Updated July 2, 2008


Healthwise Logo
Last updated: July 02, 2008
Author: Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By: Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Editors: Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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