Preparation for Mycological Examination

A mycological examination is one of the basic tests performed in a podiatry clinic. It allows detection of fungi on the skin and nails and identification of their type, which enables effective treatment. Proper preparation is essential to ensure reliable results and avoid repeat testing.

How to prepare for a nail mycological examination?

40 days before the examination, stop taking oral antifungal medications (after consulting your doctor).

30 days before the examination:

• Do not use topical products (antifungal nail polishes, regular or hybrid nail polishes, removers, creams, ointments, or disinfectants).
• Avoid soaking your feet in herbs or other home remedies.
• Wash your feet only with a gentle liquid or soap without additives.
• Remove hybrid and regular nail polish.

7 days before the examination:

• Do not trim your nails.
• Do not file or treat the nail plate.
• Do not remove calluses or use a rotary tool.

4 days before the examination:

• Do not use creams, lotions, or scrubs.
• Avoid contact with detergents (e.g., cleaning agents) barefoot.
• Do not soak your feet in disinfectants.

On the day of the examination, do not wash your feet or use any cosmetics.

The more neutral the environment, the more accurate the examination result.

How to prepare for a skin mycological examination?

40 days before the examination, stop taking oral antifungal medications (after consulting your doctor).

24 hours before the examination:

• Do not apply any cosmetics (creams, lotions, oils) to the skin.
• Avoid soaps, shower gels, shampoos, and detergents.
• Do not wash affected areas of the skin.

Key recommendations before a mycological examination:

• 3 months before – stop taking oral antifungal medications.
• 1 month before – discontinue topical products and nail polishes.
• 1 week before – do not trim nails, file, or remove calluses.
• 24 hours before – avoid cosmetics and detergents.
• On the day of the examination – do not wash feet or affected skin.

Failure to follow these guidelines may distort the test result and require repeating the examination. If it is not possible to follow the recommendations, it is better to reschedule the visit and consult the podologist about a new sample collection date.