Used in microbiology laboratories for the selective cultivation and isolation of dermatophytes—fungi that cause infections of the skin, hair, and nails. The medium inhibits the growth of bacteria and saprophytic fungi through the inclusion of antibiotics and the dye chloramphenicol, allowing dermatophytes to grow preferentially. It is commonly used in clinical settings to diagnose fungal infections from patient specimens such as skin scrapings, nail clippings, and hair. The acidic pH of the medium further supports the growth of pathogenic fungi while suppressing contaminants. TTC (triphenyltetrazolium chloride) acts as a pH indicator and helps differentiate fungal species based on color changes during growth.