KOH
Medical abbreviation · Dermatology
| Stands for | Potassium hydroxide (preparation) |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
KOH stands for Potassium hydroxide (preparation), a dermatology abbreviation.
Quick office test in which skin scrapings, nail clippings or hair are placed on a slide with potassium hydroxide, which dissolves keratin and reveals fungal hyphae or yeast under the microscope. It confirms tinea, candidiasis and tinea versicolor.
Example: KOH of scaly groin rash positive for branching hyphae; start terbinafine cream.
Usage notes
KOH is the chemical formula for potassium hydroxide (K for potassium). Tinea versicolor shows a characteristic "spaghetti and meatballs" pattern of hyphae and yeast. In gynecology, adding KOH to vaginal discharge releases a fishy odor (the whiff test) in bacterial vaginosis. Results are available in minutes.
Related abbreviations
More dermatology abbreviations
- EM – Erythema migrans
- GA – Granuloma annulare
- HA – Hyaluronic acid (filler)
- HS – Hidradenitis suppurativa
- ICD – Irritant contact dermatitis
- IPL – Intense pulsed light
- KP – Keratosis pilaris
- LP – Lichen planus
- LS – Lichen sclerosus
- MCC – Merkel cell carcinoma
- MIS – Melanoma in situ
- MM – Malignant melanoma
See all 52 dermatology abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.