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
- Ringworm (caused by mold-like parasites and not actual worms).
- Yeast infections
Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS): Demonstrates fungal cell walls by staining them magenta.
Methenamine silver stains (Grocott or Gomori-GMS): Demonstrates fungal cell walls by staining them black.
