The diagnosis of tinea capitis is typically based on clinical presentation and confirmed through laboratory tests. Key diagnostic methods include:
- Microscopy and Culture:
- Samples of hair or scalp skin are taken for microscopic examination and culture to identify the presence of fungal elements. This is the gold standard for confirming tinea capitis.
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Wood’s Lamp Examination:
- This diagnostic tool uses ultraviolet light to detect fluorescence in infected hairs. Certain species of fungi, such as *Microsporum* species, exhibit bright green fluorescence under a Wood’s lamp, aiding in the identification of affected hairs for sample collection.
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KOH Stain:
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation involves placing a sample of the infected area on a slide with KOH solution. The KOH dissolves keratin, making fungal elements more visible under a microscope.
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PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction):
- This advanced diagnostic technique can identify fungal DNA in samples, providing a rapid and accurate diagnosis.
