Most of the time, ringworm can be diagnosed by looking at the skin. Other diagnostic studies that can be used to diagnose dermatophytosis are matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization test and reflectance confocal microscopy.

Other diagnostic studies to confirm dermatophytosis may include:

• Matrix-assisted laser desorption is based on the detection of specific features of a proteolytic degradation product which is a product of mycological infections or noninfectious diseases.
• Dermatophytes are represented by proteolytic degradation products of native proteins.
• The peptide patterns of affected samples are compared with those of known samples containing peptide spectra from skin disorders stored in an already existing database.
• Matrix-assisted laser desorption is a time efficient process, as it enables simultaneous identification of up to 64 dermatophyte strains, with results coming back within 24 hours.

• Reflectance confocal microscopy provides imaging of the epidermis and superficial dermis at a high resolution and can be used to detect cutaneous fungi and parasitic infestations.
• Branching fungal hyphae can be visualized over an erythematous, annular, scaly patch.

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