European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) are a widespread health concern, affecting millions of individuals globally, with a lifetime risk estimated between 10% and 20%. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the epidemiological patterns and clinical manifestations of superficial fungal skin infections among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Aim of the study: The aim of the study was to assess the epidemiological patterns and clinical manifestations of superficial fungal skin infections among patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from April 2009 to March 2010, including 150 patients with clinically suspected superficial fungal infections. Demographic data, infection type, site of involvement, and risk factors were recorded, and data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Of 150 patients, 91 (60.7%) were males and 47 (31.3%) were aged 40–50 years. Tinea corporis (45, 30.0%), pityriasis versicolor (27, 18.0%), and tinea cruris (20, 13.3%) were the most common infections, mainly affecting the feet (38, 25.3%), trunk (37, 24.7%), and groins (32, 21.3%). Major risk factors included water-soaked garments (113, 75.3%), excessive sweating (110, 73.3%), steroid use (104, 69.3%), tight clothing (78, 52.0%), and family history of tinea (86, 57.3%). Conclusion: Superficial fungal infections predominantly affect middle-aged males, with tinea corporis being most common, and are strongly associated with behavioral and environmental risk factors