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 17 0 days (outpatient procedure) ~ 0 days (immediate) Know More
Turkey USD 25 – USD 123 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.

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279+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Jaipur

  • IconJaipur, India
  • Icon55 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Reyansh Verma, a 28-year-old software engineer,...

Reyansh Verma, a 28-year-old software engineer, had been dealing with a persistent, itchy rash on his scalp and beard for over two months. Initially, he thought it was just dandruff or a reaction to a new shampoo, but the itching became intense, and he noticed flaky, red patches. As someone who prided himself on his appearance, he felt self-conscious and avoided social gatherings. His dermatologist, Dr. Sharma, recommended a KOH examination to check for a fungal infection. During the procedure, Reyansh felt a slight scraping sensation as the doctor collected a small sample from his scalp. The quick, in-office test confirmed tinea capitis and barbae. With a diagnosis in hand, Reyansh started a course of oral antifungal medication and medicated shampoo. Within two weeks, the itching subsided significantly, and the patches began to clear. Emotionally, he moved from frustration and embarrassment to immense relief, feeling back in control of his health and confident again.

Dermatologists for Koh Examination

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

Dr. Somnath Das
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata

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Dr. Shantini Vijayasuriar
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Arti Sarda
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Chanchal Bhar
  • 24 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Simantini R. Sakhardande
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

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Dr. K R Sharmatha
  • Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Consult Charge ₹ 800

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

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Dr. Piyali Chatterjee
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata

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Dr. Jayanta Kumar Barua
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Jaidev Yadav NC
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Millers Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Sai Lahari Rachumallu
  • 3 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar

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Dr. Souvik Sardar
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Dhakuria, Kolkata

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Dr. Vijender Kumar Saini
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jaipur, Jaipur

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Dr. Chandrashekhar C. R.
  • 40 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 2000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Goa , Panaji

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Dr. Jaidev Yadav
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Shouvik Ghosh
  • 15 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata

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Dr. Ritika Shanmugam
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Sharanya Padma
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Dermatologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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