Good sample collection is vital in the interpretation of skin microbiology results as many bacteria and fungi may be found as normal commensals on healthy skin. Crusts from the lesion are the best sample for detection of Dermatophilus zoospores while a swab from a fresh pustule or of exudate from underneath a fresh crust is the preferred sample for bacterial culture. Skin scrapes and hair plucks from the edge of the lesion are the preferred samples for detection of parasites and ringworm.