BACKGROUND: Superficial and cutaneous mycosis have appeared with great prevalence at the Clinical Hospital of the Parana State Federal University. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the calcofluor white method (CFW) in comparison with the potassium hydroxide method (KOH). METHODS: 74 samples of skin, nail, scalp and hair scrapings were analyzed in 62 male and female patients of different ages. The material was collected at the Dermatology, and Dermatopediatric Clinics and Emergency Department of the Federal University of Parana State Clinical Hospital from October 1995 to March 1996. The specimens were analysed by both methods, and compared in this study. The results were submitted to Qui-square statistical analysis. RESULTS: The results obtained indicated CFW was as effective as KOH. Potassium hydroxide showed 38 (51%) positive and 36 (49%) negative results. Calcofluor white showed positive results in 35 (47%) samples and negative results in 39 (53%) samples. CONCLUSION: The data revealed equal efficiency in the two methods evaluated. On the hand, the calcofluor white method requires a laboratory equipped with an immunofluorescence microscope.
fluorescent dyes; diagnostic; methods; mycoses; Microscopy; fluorescence
