Ringworm that keeps returning, nails that won't clear, athlete's foot resistant to pharmacy creams — the answer is accurate KOH microscopy diagnosis first, then the right antifungal at the correct dose for the right duration.
From superficial tinea to stubborn nail onychomycosis — we confirm the diagnosis with microscopy before prescribing, not after.
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Circular, expanding, scaly red patches on the body — highly contagious and frequently misdiagnosed. We confirm by KOH before prescribing, avoiding steroid-antifungal combination misuse that worsens tinea.
Thickened, discoloured, brittle nails caused by dermatophyte or Candida infection. Confirmed with KOH before oral terbinafine or itraconazole is prescribed at the correct dose and duration.
Maceration, scaling, and itch between the toes and soles caused by Trichophyton species. Topical terbinafine with footwear hygiene guidance achieves rapid clearance and prevents recurrence.
Fungal scalp infection causing patchy hair loss and scaling — common in children. Confirmed by KOH. Oral griseofulvin or terbinafine for 3–4 months plus antifungal shampoo achieves complete resolution.
Hypo- or hyperpigmented patches on the trunk caused by Malassezia. Confirmed by KOH (spaghetti and meatballs). Ketoconazole shampoo and topical azoles achieve rapid clearance.
Candida infections in skin folds (groin, axillae, under breasts) and around nails — common in diabetics. Diagnosed by KOH, treated with topical nystatin or oral fluconazole.
Most recurring fungal infections are due to wrong diagnosis or incomplete treatment. We start with microscopy to confirm the organism before any prescription.
History of onset, spread, prior treatments (especially steroid-antifungal misuse), contact history, and co-morbidities (diabetes, immunosuppression) documented before examination.
Skin scrapings or nail clippings treated with KOH and examined under microscopy for fungal hyphae and spores. Quick, in-clinic test confirming diagnosis before any antifungal is prescribed.
For recurrent, unusual, or treatment-resistant cases — culture identifies the exact species and confirms drug sensitivity, critical for selecting the most effective antifungal.
Correct antifungal, correct formulation (cream, powder, oral), correct dose — and critically, the correct duration. Most failures are due to stopping too early or using the wrong preparation.
Written guidance on footwear hygiene, shared surface avoidance, towel hygiene, and co-treatment of household contacts — preventing the cycle of re-infection.
Over 60% of "ringworm" cases in India involve tinea incognito from steroid-antifungal combination misuse. We do KOH microscopy before prescribing — treating the real infection, not masking it.
In-clinic potassium hydroxide microscopy confirms fungal diagnosis within 15 minutes — before any antifungal is prescribed. No guesswork.
We correctly identify and treat tinea incognito — fungal infection altered by inadvertent steroid application, making it atypical and harder to diagnose without microscopy.
Oral antifungals for nails carry liver risk. We confirm nail fungus by microscopy before prescribing terbinafine or itraconazole — and monitor LFTs when indicated.
Written hygiene protocol — footwear, contact prevention, early re-infection recognition — the most important factor in breaking the cycle of recurring tinea.
| Feature | Dermatologist (KOH-confirmed) | Pharmacy OTC Cream | Steroid-Antifungal Combo | Online Consultation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnosis confirmed | ✓ KOH microscopy | No | No | No |
| Treats nail fungus | ✓ Oral Rx | Topical only — limited | No | May prescribe |
| Risk of tinea incognito | None — steroid-free | Low | High risk | Unknown |
| Recurrence prevention | ✓ Written guidance | No | No | No |
| Starting cost | ₹500 consultation | ₹100–300 OTC | ₹80–200 OTC | ₹300–500 |
Accurate diagnosis before any prescription — every time.
KOH preparation of scrapings or nail clippings confirms fungal infection within 15 minutes before any antifungal is prescribed.
All Tinea TypesSabouraud's medium culture for resistant or unusual cases — identifies the exact species and confirms antifungal sensitivity.
Species IdentificationUV fluorescence identifies tinea capitis (Microsporum species) and tinea versicolor — useful adjunct to KOH in scalp and trunk infections.
Scalp · VersicolorTerbinafine, itraconazole, fluconazole, and griseofulvin prescribed in the correct regimen — with LFT monitoring for prolonged nail courses.
Systemic TherapyAt Supreme Elite Clinic, Kelambakkam OMR 603103
Stop guessing and treating blindly. Our dermatologist will confirm the diagnosis with microscopy and prescribe the correct treatment the first time.
Book ConsultationCall +91 96774 73344 or fill the form below.
