Abstract: Objectives To investigate the incidence and treatment of superficial mycoses in cadets of a military academy. Methods A questionnaire survey was carried out during the physical examination. The cases of superficial mycoses were further examined by microscopy. Results A total of 1733 cadets were examined clinically and submitted the questionnaire. There were 186 (10.73%) cadets diagnosed with superficial mycoses after entering the military academy. The incidence of tinea pedis (n=147) was higher than any other superficial fungal infections. The prevalence rate of superficial mycoses in summer and autumn was significantly higher than that in winter and spring (P<0.001). Statistic analysis demonstrated that the incidence of dermatophytosis was significantly different in different period of military service(P<0.001). In this survey, 70.87% of patients took topical antifungal drugs, while 6.80% received the combination of topical and systematic therapy. The azoles were highest administered. It was 50.62% on patients' satisfaction of treatment with antifungal agents. The relapse rate of superficial fungal infections was 51.46%. Conclusions The incidence of superficial mycoses was high in cadets in a military academy. Attention should be paid to enhance the health publicity and education and to promote the rational use of drugs for cadets in military academies.

Key words: superficial mycoses, fungal infections, antifungal drugs, cadets