New uses of vinyl tape for reliable collection and diagnosis of common superficial mycoses

Abstract

Background: Scalpel blade sampling of a lesion with clinical suspicion of superficial mycosis may eventually harm the patient, especially anxious children, and when sampled from areas such as the neck and the genitals. In these cases--provided that an acceptable level of confidence in results can be warranted--vinyl tape skin strippings, or strip cultures, could be preferable.

Patients and methods: Eighty-five patients presenting with scaly lesions clinically suspected of superficial mycoses were randomly included in this study. Thin, crystal clear vinyl tape strips were firmly applied to lesions, pulled up, and then attached glue-face down to glass slides, on which a drop of 10% potassium hydroxide/40% dimethyl sulfoxide solution had previously been placed. Once scales were cleared, microscopic examination was performed. For specimens yielding negative results, further scales were scraped from lesions, cleared, and examined in the conventional manner. Patients with proven negative results in both techniques have been considered a control group.

Results: Sixty cases of superficial mycoses were confirmed (dermatophytosis, 38; candidiasis, 12; tinea versicolor, 10). Of these, 59 (98.33%) yielded positive results on vinyl tape preparations, with clear visualization of organisms' structures. The technique failed to demonstrate fungal elements in a single case, subsequently diagnosed as tinea capitis. The additional 25 patients were regarded as our control group.

Conclusions: In addition to improved patient compliance, ease of performance, and low cost, the technique seems appropriate for using in an office environment during a routine medical visit. Whenever vinyl tape specimens yield negative results, a scraping-sampled preparation should be provided.