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[Fungal infections and nail psoriasis]

Laura Gheucă Solovăstru1, D Vâţă

  • 1Disciplina de Dermatologie, Facultatea de Medicină, Universitatea de Medicină si Farmacie "Gr.T. Popa" Iaşi.

Revista Medico-Chirurgicala a Societatii De Medici Si Naturalisti Din Iasi
|March 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Nail psoriasis can lead to nail disorders, but the risk of fungal infection (onychomycosis) in these patients is not higher than in the general population. This study analyzed patients with nail psoriasis to assess this risk.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Clinical Medicine

Context:

  • Onychomycosis and psoriasis are common conditions that can affect the same patient.
  • Psoriasis frequently causes nail morphology disturbances, with nail disorders reported in 10-80% of psoriasis patients.
  • Nail dystrophy in psoriasis may compromise the natural protective barrier, potentially increasing susceptibility to fungal infections.

Purpose:

  • To investigate the prevalence of onychomycosis in patients with nail psoriasis.
  • To compare the incidence of onychomycosis in nail psoriasis patients to the general population.

Summary:

  • An observational retrospective study analyzed 360 psoriasis patients hospitalized between 2004-2008.
  • Of these, 32 patients presented with nail disorders.
  • The study aimed to determine if nail psoriasis increases the risk of onychomycosis.

Impact:

  • Findings contribute to understanding the relationship between psoriasis, nail changes, and fungal infections.
  • Clarifies whether patients with nail psoriasis have a higher risk of onychomycosis.
  • Informs clinical management and patient counseling regarding nail health in psoriasis.

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