Introduction: The incidence of superficial dermatophytosis in India has notably increased over the past 5-6 years, posing a significant public health concern. According to Emmons Morphological criteria, dermatophytes fall into three anamorphic genera based on conidial morphology: Trichophyton (affecting skin, hair, and nails), Microsporum (infecting skin and hair but not nails), and Epidermophyton (infecting skin and nails but not hair). These fungi are further classified based on their habitat association into anthropophilic (affecting humans exclusively), zoophilic (infecting domestic and wild animals as well as birds), and geophilic (isolated from soil) species.

Zoophilic species typically induce highly inflammatory reactions, while anthropophilic species tend to cause milder but chronic lesions. Common dermatophyte infections include athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis) and barbers itch (Tinea barbae). Dermatomycoses refer to diseases caused by non-dermatophytic fungi affecting the skin, with piedra and onychomycoses affecting the hair and nails, respectively. Athlete’s foot and jock itch (Tinea cruris) are prevalent examples, causing severe itching and lesions in sensitive areas, often leading to social embarrassment and reduced quality of life.

The epidemiology of dermatophytes varies across countries and regions, necessitating surveillance studies to comprehend changing clinicoepidemiology and identify prevalent pathogens for effective treatment strategies. Aims: This present study was conducted to identify the clinical profile and species of dermatophytic infection at our tertiary care centre IIMSR Lucknow Uttar Pradesh India. Study design: The present study was a hospital based observative prospective study. Statistical Analysis: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 29.0.1.1. Chi square test and appropriate tests of significance were applied. Method: It was a hospital based observational study of 156 clinically diagnosed case of dermatophytosis during five months duration. Sociodemographic details, clinical history and detailed examination were conducted from all patients. Skin scrapings were sent to microbiology department of our hospital for direct microscopy and culture. Results: Among 156 patients enrolled males were commonly affected than females, male to female ratio was 2.6:1. Incidence was maximum in rural area 56% as compared to urban. Multiple site infection (35.9%) was found to be commonest clinical type followed by Tineacruris (16.67%). Trichophytontonsuran was the commonest isolate obtained (35.2%) followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (22%).The outdoor activities, such as farming, labour work and poor personal hygiene in rural area were identified as risk factor for infection. Conclusion: The present study has provided recent data on etiological agent of dermatophytosis and risk factor in tertiary care Centre. Microscopy with and without culture is an important diagnostic tool in dermatophytosis. It is important to develop measurement for disease prevention and controlalong with effective therapy.