Learn about Koh Examination Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Koh Examination and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Koh Examination

A KOH (Potassium Hydroxide) examination is a quick, in-office diagnostic test performed by a dermatologist to identify fungal infections of the skin, hair, or nails. During the procedure, a small sample of skin scales, nail clippings, or hair is collected and treated with a KOH solution on a microscope slide. This chemical dissolves keratin, the protein in skin cells, leaving behind any fungal elements like hyphae (branching filaments) or spores, which become clearly visible under a microscope. This simple, non-invasive test provides rapid results, often within minutes, allowing for immediate and accurate diagnosis of conditions like ringworm (tinea), athlete's foot, or nail fungus, enabling the dermatologist to prescribe the most effective antifungal treatment promptly.

Key Highlights

    Provides rapid, on-the-spot diagnosis, often within minutes.Non-invasive and typically painless procedure.Highly accurate for confirming the presence of fungal elements.Helps differentiate fungal infections from other skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis.Guides targeted and effective antifungal treatment, avoiding unnecessary medications.Cost-effective and widely available in dermatology clinics./ul

Who is this surgery for?

  • Suspected fungal skin infections (e.g., ringworm, tinea corporis, tinea cruris).
  • Red, scaly, itchy, or circular rashes on the skin.
  • Symptoms of athlete's foot (tinea pedis) or jock itch (tinea cruris).
  • Discolored, thickened, or crumbling fingernails or toenails (onychomycosis).
  • Scaly patches or hair loss on the scalp (tinea capitis).
  • To confirm a fungal diagnosis before starting long-term oral antifungal therapy.
  • To monitor treatment effectiveness in some cases.

How to prepare

  • No special dietary or medication restrictions are typically required.
  • Avoid applying creams, lotions, powders, or antifungal sprays to the affected area for 24-48 hours before the test.
  • For nail samples, avoid nail polish for several days prior.
  • Inform your dermatologist about any medications or supplements you are taking.
  • Wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being examined.

Risks & possible complications

  • The procedure is extremely low-risk. The primary 'risk' is a false-negative result if the sample is inadequate or if antifungal creams were recently used.
  • Minor, temporary discomfort during sample collection (gentle scraping).
  • Very slight risk of minor bleeding or irritation at the sample site, especially if the skin is already inflamed.
  • No risks associated with the KOH solution itself, as it is used externally for examination only.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • No recovery time is needed; patients can resume normal activities immediately.
  • The sampled area may feel slightly tender or look mildly irritated for a few hours.
  • Keep the area clean and dry; follow your dermatologist's instructions regarding any ongoing skin care.
  • If a biopsy or more invasive sample was not taken, no wound care is required.
  • Await the results, which are often discussed during the same appointment, to begin the prescribed treatment plan.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 0 days (outpatient procedure)
  • checked Expected recovery time: 0 days (immediate)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering koh examination in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for koh examination compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 3 – USD 16 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 0 days (immediate) Know More
Turkey USD 24 – USD 121 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 0 days (immediate) Know More

Top hospitals for Koh Examination in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated dermatology teams and experience managing patients undergoing koh examination.

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors
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Dermatologists for Koh Examination

Explore experienced dermatologists who regularly perform koh examination and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Khushboo Jha
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Faridabad

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Dr. Shruti Lakhanpal Tandon
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

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Dr. Kuna Ramadas
  • 31 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

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Dr. Sugandhan S
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Raina N. Nahar
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Vandana Punjabi
  • 21 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Shazia Zaidi
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

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Dr. Kalpana Sarangi
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Nanavati Hospital Mumbai

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Dr. Alia Abbas Rizivi
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

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Dr. Himani Mavi
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

Metro Hospital Noida Sector 11

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Dr. Vindhya Raparla
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Deepika J Sanbal
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

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Dr. S. Sushma Sukruthi
  • 7 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar

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Dr. Sushmitha Asokan
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai

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Dr. Gargi Taneja
  • 6 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Aishwarya Devaraj
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Gurgaon

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Dr. Shankar D Desai D
  • 41 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram

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Dr. Pankaj Kanti Jha
  • 26 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

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Dr. Col. Aradhana Sood
  • 27 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Doddaballapur

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Dr. Alok Kumar Roy
  • 44 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Next available on
02/Feb: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake

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