INTEGUMENTARY DIAGNOSTIC TEST :–

Culture :-

Bacterial, viral and fungal infections are identified by culture. A culture can identify the type of bacterial infection so that specific treatment can be provided. In the culture test, the collected sample is mixed in a special material – culture and the microorganisms present in it are detected. Special care must be taken to take the sample.

Wood lamp examination:

Wood lamp examination uses ultra violet light to detect bacterial and fungal infections and also determines skin pigmentation. This UV light is passed over the suspected area on the skin and the fungus is visualized there. This light does not cause any kind of damage to the skin and eyes.

Patch testing:

Patch testing is a diagnostic method in which the subtones of allergic inflammation are determined in the patient. In patch testing, some suspected allergen is applied to the skin as a patch and the resulting reaction is noted. Redness and itching are seen in Vic positive reaction. A strong positive reaction results in blister papules and severe itching. While in extreme positive reaction blisters, pain and ulceration are seen.

Skin biopsy:

In skin biopsy, a small piece of skin lesion or suspected area is taken and microscopically examined to check whether malignancy is present. So that the exit diagnosis can be known. Biopsies are collected from nodules, plaques, blisters and lesions.

There are three main types of skin biopsy:

i) Shave biopsy:

In shave biopsy, a biopsy is collected using a tool like a razor (blade). In shave biopsy, a biopsy is collected from the upper epidermal layer.

ii) Punch biopsy:

In a punch biopsy, a small piece of skin is taken with a punch instrument that includes the epidermis, dermis and fat layer. In which a circular blade is attached to a pencil-like instrument and the skin core is collected while rotating it deep.

iii) Excisional biopsy

In excisional biopsy, a scalpel is used to remove the entire lump and irregular skin along with the surrounding healthy skin. and it is sent for microscopic examination.

Tzanck’s smear:

Tzanck smear is a cytological diagnosis method. In which the cellular component is collected from the breakdown of the blister and examined with the help of a microscope and it is checked whether Tzanck cells are present or not. Tzanck cells are acantholytic cells which are present in the blisters of herpes simplex, herpes zoster, pemphigus vulgaris.

Skin scraping:

In skin scraping, a sample is collected by scraping (scraping) from the suspected area or lesion with a scalpel blade. The blade is oiled so that the sample sticks to the blade while scraping. The collected sample is transferred to a glass slide and a drop or two of potassium hydroxide or mineral oil is added to it and it is covered with a cover slip and examined under a microscope. This procedure is used to diagnose fungal infections.

Immunofluorescence:

Immunofluorescence is a technique by which specific proteins or antigens present in tissue are visualized. In this technique, a specific antibody is conjugated with a fluorescent dye such as fluorescent isothiocyanate, with the help of which we can visualize the specific antigen under a microscope under UV light. Hence the antigen in the skin can be detected. Immunofluorescence techniques can be used to identify IgG antibodies found in pemphigus vulgaris. Also in herpes zoster the varicella found in skin cells can be identified.