Relation between diagnostic of tinea using potassium hydroxide test and postgraduate education,

and an algorithm for identifying fungal elements

Abstract

Direct microscopy of potassium hydroxide test is needed for correct diagnosis of fungal diseases. Since the accuracy of the diagnosis is correct or not is questioned so that twelve questionable regarding various lesions and samples were administered to 40 dermatologists, who were grouped based on their experience periods: A) within 5 years of training, B) 5–20 years, C) >20 years without any presentation or published papers related to micology and D) >20 years with published papers. Points were allocated to each question. The points of group D were the highest (12.7±3.9 points), followed by groups A (11.7±2.4 points) and C (11.6±3.5 points). Group B (11.5±6.4 points) had the lowest points. The study results indicate that postgraduate education and training for identifying fungal elements in potassium hydroxide test of tinea is very important. Additionally, the algorithm proposed here is supposed to be useful for easy identification.