Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) are among the most common dermatological conditions worldwide, particularly in tropical regions.

Objectives: (i) To determine the prevalence and clinicomycological profile of superficial fungal infections in the study population attending the dermatology OPD of our institute. (ii) To identify host, socioeconomic, and epidemiological factors that affect disease occurrence. (iii) To isolate and identify etiological agents, including dermatophytes and non dermatophytes, from clinically suspected cases and correlate their occurrence with clinical presentations.

Materials & Methods: A total of 121 specimens consisting of skin scrapings, nail clippings, and epilated hair were taken from clinically suspected cases of superficial fungal infections attending the OPD of a tertiary care hospital in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India, between October 2023 and March 2025. Direct microscopic examination with KOH mount (10% for skin/hair and 40% for nails) was performed. Specimens were cultured on Sabouraud’s Dextrose Agar (SDA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) and identified based on their macroscopic and microscopic morphologies and biochemical reactions, such as the urea hydrolysis test.

Results: Of the total 121 specimens, KOH positivity was 63.6% and culture positivity was 47.1%. Females (57.8%) were affected more than males (42.2%), with a female-to-male ratio of 1.4:1. The maximum cases were present in the 31–40 years (31.4%) age group. Housewives (28.9%) and office employees (20.7%) were the most inflicted occupational groups. Maximum specimens were from skin (85.2%), followed by nails (13.2%) and hair (1.6%). Tinea corporis (56.4%) and Tinea cruris (16.5%) were the commonest clinical types identified. Among 57 isolates, Trichophyton rubrum (33.3%) was the most common isolate, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (17.5%) and Candida species (17.5%). Statistical significance was found for age (p=0.02), gender (p<0.001), and occupation (p<0.001) in relation to clinical types.

Conclusion: Trichophyton rubrum continues to be the predominant species causing superficial fungal infections in Chhattisgarh. However, a rising trend of non-dermatophytic infections (Candida and Malassezia species) was observed. Risk factors such as lower socioeconomic status, close family contact, and poor personal hygiene (sharing clothes, wearing tight/damp clothing) are significantly associated with disease prevalence. Better practices of self-hygiene, such as proper drying after bathing and wearing comfortable clothing, can help reduce incidence along with community education.

KEYWORDS: Dermatophytes, Superficial Fungal Infections, Tinea, Culture.