Differentiating superficial fungal infection from eczema using a heated dynamic-headspace skin VOC sampler: a hypothesis

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Superficial fungal infections and eczematous dermatitis share clinical features, complicating accurate diagnosis and leading to inappropriate treatments.
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Current diagnostic tests for fungal infections face limitations, including operator variability, turnaround time, and accessibility, necessitating a rapid, non-invasive alternative.
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Distinct skin volatile organic compound signatures may differentiate fungal infections from eczema, influenced by metabolic pathways and barrier impairment.
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Heated dynamic headspace sampling could effectively capture these volatile compounds, enhancing diagnostic accuracy while minimizing environmental interference.
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The proposed method requires further validation through biomarker identification and controlled evaluations before clinical implementation.

Frontiers In Medicine

by Janmesh D. Patel, Pooja Shet, Mitchell M. McCartney, Sara Dahle, Apra Sood, Cristina E. Davis, Rivkah Isseroff
June 23, 2026

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