Onychomycosis: a 3-year clinicomycologic hospital-based study

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Onychomycosis is a common nail fungal infection.
• Limited research exists on its prevalence in the Indian subcontinent.
• This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the condition's pattern in India.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the epidemiologic, clinical, and mycologic factors of onychomycosis.
• To analyze data from 50 patients using a prospective study design.
• To understand the disease's characteristics in the Indian population.

Main Methods:

• Prospective evaluation of 50 patients with confirmed onychomycosis (KOH-positive).
• Data collection included epidemiologic, clinical, and mycologic characteristics.
• Statistical analysis to correlate various patient and disease parameters.

Main Results:

• Common onychomycosis variants: distal lateral subungual, total dystrophic, and superficial white.
• Predominantly affected demographic: men aged 21-30 years (mean age 34.5).
• Key etiological agents: Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes; yeasts and molds were less frequent.

Conclusions:

• Onychomycosis recognition is facilitated by clinical awareness.
• Prompt etiologic diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
• Eradication of onychomycosis is important to reduce societal impact.