Investigations
Investigations to consider
potassium hydroxide test of skin scraping
Test
Positive results show pseudohyphae in yeast infection. Not routinely done since yeast infections are typically diagnosed by history and clinical presentation. Consider if the infant does not improve after initial treatment.
Result
positive in candidiasis
bacterial culture of skin
Test
The same culture swab can be used for culturing both fungus and bacteria. Consider if the infant does not improve after initial treatment.
Result
positive for S aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes in bacterial infection
fungal culture of skin
Test
The same culture swab can be used for culturing both fungus and bacteria. Consider if the infant does not improve after initial treatment.
Result
positive in fungal infection
FBC
Test
May need to be considered for severe or persistent disease and recalcitrant cases to rule out cyclic neutropenia.
Result
normal or may show evidence of neutropenia
serum zinc level
Test
May need to be considered for severe or persistent disease and recalcitrant cases to rule out zinc deficiency.
Result
normal or low
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