A Rapid, Simple Stain for Fungi in Skin, Nail Scrapings, and Hairs

Abstract

A rapid clearing and staining method for fungi in skin scales, nail scrapings, and hairs is described. This method should be particularly useful in office practice and in hospital clinics, since it is time-saving, inexpensive, and easy to perform. It produces fewer artifacts and does not damage the microscope. This technique is also useful for the examination of scrapings from chronic paronychia due to Candida albicans. This stain can be used for preparing culture mounts for study, thus eliminating the need for another stain.