KOH Preparation –A Diagnostic Tool for Intertrigo

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate diagnostic efficacy of microscopic examination of KOH preparation in intertrigo.
Methodology: This Retrospective study was conducted in the Dermatology Department of Tertiary care Hospital Gujranwala, from April 2022 to March 2023. The 150 patients with intertrigo, registered in the clinic and diagnosed through KOH preparation were included in this study. The questionnaire was filled for demographic details after taking their consents. A glass slide and cover glass, 20% KOH, and gauze and a microscope that has both 10 mm and 40 mm objectives requires. The existence of a fungal infection can be confirmed by doing a culture, which is the gold standard diagnostic procedure. The statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 20.
Results: The median age of patients diagnosed with intertrigo was twenty-seven years old, with a range of 10 to 66 years. The ages of presenting patients in men were 25.07 ± 12.13 and 31.73 ± 10.76 in females. There was statistically significant difference in age of male and female patients (p=0.02). Candida albicans was found in larger no of patients 46%.
Conclusion: In conclusion, potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation emerges as a valuable and efficient diagnostic tool for identifying fungal infections underlying intertrigo. Its simplicity, rapidity, and high sensitivity make it an indispensable asset in dermatological practice, facilitating prompt diagnosis and appropriate management strategies for patients with this common yet challenging condition.
Keywords: KOH preparation, intertrigo, candida albicans, intertriginous dermatitis