Al Dhafiri Mahdi, Alhamed Almunthir S, Aljughayman Mohammed A, Bin Sifran Khurayzan F, Al Furaikh Bashayer F, Alosaif Noor
Dermatology, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU.
College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Hofuf, SAU.
Cureus. 2022 Oct 23;14(10):e30612. doi: 10.7759/cureus.30612. eCollection 2022 Oct.
Introduction Potassium hydroxide (KOH) is an inorganic keratolytic test. It is considered one of the most worldwide methods used in the dermatological field with reasonable reliability and sensitivity. One of its major uses is in identifying fungal elements in the skin, hair, nails, and different body secretions. In this study, we aimed to identify the prevalence of KOH usage in different hospitals in the Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia. Additionally, we aimed to identify the dermatological conditions in which KOH is being used and practiced by physicians. Methods This was an anonymous questionnaire-based cross-sectional study that was distributed and carried out among dermatologists in Al-Ahsa city in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Results A total of 30 dermatologists completed the study questionnaire. Participants' ages ranged from 29 to 59 years old with a mean age of 39.5 ± 11.4 years old. 14 (46.7%) dermatologists reported that the KOH test is available in their clinic. Using KOH once a day was reported among 14.3% while 21.4% used it once a week. The most reported condition for KOH use was hair dermatophytes (100%). Conclusion There is a clear lack of usage and availability of KOH in clinics. The shortage of availability of diagnostic tools, including KOH might affect the diagnosis of several diseases and may cause a waste of resources, wrong prescriptions, and patient's burden.
引言 氢氧化钾（KOH）是一种无机角质剥脱试验。它被认为是皮肤科领域全球使用最广泛的方法之一，具有合理的可靠性和敏感性。其主要用途之一是识别皮肤、头发、指甲和不同身体分泌物中的真菌成分。在本研究中，我们旨在确定沙特阿拉伯艾哈萨地区不同医院使用KOH的情况。此外，我们旨在确定医生使用KOH诊断的皮肤病状况。方法 这是一项基于匿名问卷的横断面研究，在沙特阿拉伯东部省份艾哈萨市的皮肤科医生中进行。结果 共有30名皮肤科医生完成了研究问卷。参与者年龄在29至59岁之间，平均年龄为39.5±11.4岁。14名（46.7%）皮肤科医生报告其诊所提供KOH试验。14.3%的医生报告每天使用一次KOH，21.4%的医生每周使用一次。报告中使用KOH最多的情况是毛发皮肤癣菌（100%）。结论 诊所中KOH的使用和供应明显不足。包括KOH在内的诊断工具供应短缺可能会影响多种疾病的诊断，并可能导致资源浪费、错误处方和患者负担。
