[Onychomycosis: recent progress in the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment]

Recent progress in the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of onychomycosis is summarized. The risk factors of this condition were investigated, and the results of analyses of the systemic state of patients, shape of nails, blood circulation around nails, nail growth rate and causative fungi were reported. In making a diagnosis of onychomycosis, the major effect of the quality of collected nail samples on the results was reconfirmed. In addition to the KOH method and culture method, a molecular biological method was introduced. From the therapeutic perspective, 1) prevention of recurrence, 2) identification of patients with high risk of onychomycosis, and 3) attempting new treatments (development of new drugs, improvement of administration and dosage, and evaluation of combined therapy) were discussed. The effectiveness of concomitant use with nail lacquer is anticipated in combined therapy. New studies on accurate diagnosis, early detection and early stage treatment are now being undertaken.