Many skin conditions are caused by fungal infections, known as mycosis. Microscopically, fungi can demonstrate filaments (hyphae), rounded outgrowths (budding), or a combination of the two. Examples of fungal skin conditions include:
- Nail fungus
- Athlete's foot
- Ring worm (not caused by a worm)
- Yeast infections
Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS): Demonstrates fungal cell walls by staining them magenta.
Grocott's methenamine silver (GMS): Demonstrates fungal cell walls by staining them black.