Many people don’t notice they have trichomycosis, and diagnosing it doesn’t come with any specific test. Typically, your healthcare provider will conduct a physical exam to check for signs such as the red, yellow, and black bead-like nodules that appear on the hair shaft and other signs of infection.
If more information is needed to make a diagnosis, a solution of potassium hydroxide will be used to help determine if the bacterium is present on the body.
In some cases, a wood’s light exam will be used. This type of test utilizes ultraviolet light to identify the colonization of bacteria on the skin.
Does Trichomycosis Get Worse If It Goes Untreated?
While the infection itself won’t become any more severe, it can spread to other parts of the body if it is not diagnosed and treated.