Superficial Mycoses; a fungal infection, affecting the surface areas of the skin are caused by a variety of fungi. Infections caused by fungus are called Mycoses. Human fungal infections are classified into superficial mycoses and deep seated or systemic mycoses. Superficial mycoses are the infections affecting the external parts of the body like skin, nails and hair, by different kinds of Tinea or ringworm. These organisms are particular saprophytes, capable of digesting the fibrous proteins like keratin.
Superficial mycoses are two in types – Surface and Cutaneous infections.
Surface infections include the fungal infections like Tinea versicolor, Tinea nigra and Piedra. These infections are having no contact with living tissues and it will not bring out any inflammatory response, but can make changes in cosmetic effects. Cutaneous infections are caused by a group of allied fungi called the dermatophytes. This group includes the causative agent of athlete’s foot, jock itch etc. viz. Epidermophyton, Trichophyton and Microsporum. These organisms can infect the deeper layers of the skin, hair and nails and can induce a range of inflammatory and sensitive responses by generating their metabolic products in host. Candida infections are also considered as cutaneuos in nature, caused by Candida albicans.
Various types of superficial mycoses are as follows.
1. Pityriasis versicolor
It is a chronic, asymptomatic infection, mainly affecting the abdomen, chest, upper limbs and back of the human body, resulting the de-pigmentation of the skin. This infection is mostly prevalent among young, caused by yeast like fungus called Malassezia furfur. Skin scrapings are taken for the diagnosis of this infection.
2. Tinea nigra
It is localized infection affecting palms and will produce black or brownish spots or blemishes like abrasions on the skin. Hortaea wernickii is the causative agent, and is diagnosed by taking the skin scrapings.
3. Piedra
Piedra is a fungal infection affecting the hair. Two types of Piedra are identified – black piedra and white piedra, caused by Piedraia hortae and Trichosporon beigelii respectively. This fungus infects the hair and produces irregular nodules along the hair shaft.
4. Dermatophytoses
Dermatophytoses is a clinical condition caused by Dermatophytes, which includes Trichophyton, Epidermophyton and Microsporum.
a) Trichophyton
Trichophyton rubrum is the most common species, which infects the human skin, hair and nails.  They are powdery, velvety or waxy colonies with typical pigmentation.
b) Microsporumflat
They are white to brown pigmented cotton like velvety or powdery colonies. Microsporum species usually not affects the nails. They are confined to hair and skin of human body.
c) Epidermophyton
Epidermophyton floccosum is the species includes in this genera, which infects the skin and nails, but not the hair. They are greenish yellow powdery colonies.

Dermatophytes will infect the keratinized layers of the skin and do not usually penetrate the living tissues. Allergic response by the body to this fungal antigen is the reason for the sterile vesicular lesions. These types of abrasions are called Dermatophytids. Development of hypersensitivity to fungal antigens is also an important factor involved in the pathogenesis.
 Tinea corporis is the ringworm disease of the non- hairy part of the skin. Tinea pedis is the ringworm disease of the foot. Tinea captitis is that of the scalp. Favus is a serious type of ring worm disease, where thick crusts are developed in the hair follicles which may cause scarring.
Topical application of antifungal agents is effective in most cases. Oral administration of griseofulvin is recommended.Candidiosis, caused by Candida albicans affects skin and mucosa. This yeast is a normal inhabitant of the human skin and becomes opportunistic pathogen. Nystatin is an effective antibiotic against Candida infections. Amphotericin B, 5-fluorocytosine and cotrimazole are advised for disseminated candidiasis.