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Onychomycosis in children: a survey of 46 cases

C Romano1, M Papini, A Ghilardi

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University of Siena, Italy. mondelli@unisi.it

Mycoses
|November 3, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, is often caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for successful recovery and preventing nail damage.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Onychomycosis, a fungal nail infection, can affect children, necessitating understanding of its causative agents and clinical presentation.
  • Previous studies on pediatric onychomycosis are limited, highlighting the need for more data on epidemiology and treatment outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively analyze the causative agents, clinical features, infection sources, and therapeutic outcomes of onychomycosis in children.
  • To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment in managing pediatric onychomycosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 46 pediatric patients diagnosed with onychomycosis between 1989 and 2000.
  • Identification of fungal pathogens through mycological diagnosis, including dermatophytes, Candida species, and molds.

Main Results:

  • Dermatophytes were the most common cause (30 cases), particularly Trichophyton rubrum (22 cases).
  • Candida species were isolated in 16 cases, and molds in three cases.
  • Distal and distolateral subungual hyperkeratosis were common in dermatophyte infections (93%), while onychodystrophy and paronychia were frequent in Candida infections (56% and 50%).
  • Forty patients achieved complete clinical and mycological recovery.

Conclusions:

  • Onychomycosis is a significant concern in children, with dermatophytes being the primary etiology.
  • Prompt microbiological diagnosis and early intervention are essential for effective treatment and preventing long-term nail damage.
  • Suspecting onychomycosis in children and initiating timely management can prevent disease progression and spread.

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