Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungus, is a fungal infection that affects either the toenails or fingernails. Predominantly, it manifests as discoloration and thickening of the nails, often proving to be a chronic and recurrent condition.

Onychomycosis (tinea unguium)

Symptoms and Signs

Onychomycosis can cause a range of changes in the appearance of the nail. These include discoloration (typically white or yellow), thickening of the nail, buildup of debris under the nail, and the nail becoming brittle, distorted or ragged.

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Causes

Onychomycosis is primarily caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus. However, other types of fungi (such as yeasts and molds) can also be involved. The condition can be contracted in damp communal areas, like gyms or swimming pools, or from close contact with infected individuals.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination of the nails, but can be confirmed by testing a sample of the nail in the laboratory for the presence of fungi.

Treatment

Treatment options for onychomycosis include topical antifungal medications, oral antifungal drugs, and in some cases, surgical removal of the nail. Laser therapy has also emerged as a treatment modality. However, treatment can be challenging due to the slow growth of nails and the potential for recurrence of infection.

Prognosis

While onychomycosis is typically not life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort and may impact quality of life, especially in those with coexisting conditions such as diabetes or immunodeficiency. With treatment, the condition can be managed effectively, though recurrence is common.

See Also

• Tinea pedis
• Athlete's foot

External links

• American Academy of Dermatology - Nail fungus
• PubMed Central - Onychomycosis: Current Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment

Further Reading

• Gupta AK, Daigle D, Foley KA. Network meta-analysis of the outcome 'participant complete clearance' in non-immunocompromised participants of eight interventions for the treatment of onychomycosis. British Journal of Dermatology. 2015.

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