Introduction: Superficial fungal infections affect 20 % to 25 % of the world’s population with an increase on its incidence. They are caused by endogenous and exogenous fungi in presence of an alteration of the protective mechanisms of the skin. Objectives: To determine the most common etiologic agents, characterize the patients, describe the type of injury and determine the risk factors associated with superficial mycoses. Methods: Prospective cross-sectional study conducted between January 2008 and December 2010; samples were taken from 136 patients who met the inclusion criteria defined samples of skin lesions and nail for KOH and fungal culture were collected and a structured survey for clinical and associated risk factors was applied. Results: Cultures and KOH were positive in 41.9% of samples; the most frequently isolated fungi were Trichophyton interdigitale 12.5%), Trichophyton rubrum (8.8%) and Candida albicans (7.4%). Regarding patients, 61% of patients were female and 39 % male, the largest percentage were aged between 21 to 30 years (20.6%), with varied occupations as students (35.3%), housewives (16.9%), traders (14.7%), being affected the feet (35.2 %) and hallux toenail (22.7 %). Risk factors were statistically significant prior use of antifungal, corticosteroid use and share objects like slippers. Conclusion: This study found that superficial mycoses are mainly due to fungi of the normal flora of the skin. Sharing personal care items facilitates dispersion of the infective forms of this group fungus as interpersonal. A high percentage of patients used empirical treatments without mycological diagnosis, which may facilitate fungal resistance to commonly used antifungal. Knowledge of risk factors is important for the prevention of fungal infections and mycological studies are essential for effective treatment.