Site Map

Skin lesion KOH exam

Potassium hydroxide examination of skin lesion

The skin lesion KOH exam is a test to diagnose a fungal infection of the skin.

Images

Tinea (ringworm)

I Would Like to Learn About:

How the Test is Performed

Your health care provider scrapes the problem area of your skin using a needle or scalpel blade. The scrapings from the skin are placed on a microscope slide. Liquid containing the chemical potassium hydroxide (KOH) is added. The slide is then examined under the microscope. KOH helps dissolve much of the cellular material. This makes it easier to see if there is any fungus.

How to Prepare for the Test

There is no special preparation for the test.

How the Test will Feel

You may feel a scratching sensation when the provider scrapes your skin.

Why the Test is Performed

This test is done to diagnose a fungal infection of the skin.

Normal Results

No fungus is present.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Fungus is present. The fungus may be related to ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch, or another fungal infection.

If the results are uncertain, a skin biopsy may need to be done.

Risks

There is a small risk of bleeding or infection from scraping the skin.

Related Information

Candida infection of the skin
Ringworm
Ringworm of the body
Athlete's foot
Jock itch

References

Babel DE. Fungal studies (and scabies): collection procedures and tests. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 17.

Fitzpatrick JE, High WA, Kyle WL. Diagnostic techniques. In: Fitzpatrick JE, High WA, Kyle WL, eds. Urgent Care Dermatology: Symptom-Based Diagnosis. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 2.

BACK TO TOP

Review Date: 6/7/2023  

Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

ADAM Quality Logo
Health Content Provider
06/01/2025

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complied with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information from 1995 to 2022, after which HON (Health On the Net, a not-for-profit organization that promoted transparent and reliable health information online) was discontinued.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2024 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.