Técnica de examen directo de la onicomicosis mediante microscopía con hidróxido de potasio

Onychomycosis treatment demands the necessary tools for its diagnosis. A proper interpretation of the results of the studies performed obtained by direct mycological analysis ensures that the treatment against onycomchosis is right. The restricted access to methods of diagnosis has conditioned our way of action to deal with this problem, creating a reputation of incurable diseases or requiring long-term and costly treatments with many side-effects. This clinical note provides a scientifically valid tool, low-cost and easy accessibility for the diagnosis of onychomycosis.

The present paper describes the technique for diagnosis from the beginning to the end with sample taking and direct exam technique by microscopy using potassium hydroxide, as well as its most common variations.

Althougth there are techniques of greater sensitivity, the technique described remains as a valid diagnosis tool, easy to implement and cost-effective.