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Onychomycosis

Oliverio Welsh1, Lucio Vera-Cabrera, Esperanza Welsh

  • 1Department of Dermatology, Dr. Jose Eleuterio Gonzalez University Hospital, Avenida Francisco I. Madero y Avenida Gonzalitos s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, Monterrey, Nuevo Leon 64460, Mexico. owelsh@yahoo.com

Clinics in Dermatology
|March 30, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Onychomycosis, a common nail fungal infection, is diagnosed via microscopy and culture. Treatment involves oral antifungals and topical therapies for effective nail health restoration.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Onychomycosis is a prevalent nail condition caused by various fungi, including dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
  • Common culprits include Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Candida species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current diagnostic methods for onychomycosis.
  • To discuss established and emerging therapeutic strategies for fungal nail infections.

Main Methods:

  • Diagnosis confirmed by direct microscopy, fungal culture, and histopathology using periodic acid-Schiff stain.
  • Evaluation of oral antifungal agents such as terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole.
  • Review of topical treatments including ciclopirox and amorolfine lacquers, alone or in combination with systemic therapy.

Main Results:

  • Established diagnostic techniques provide reliable identification of causative fungal agents.
  • Oral antifungals remain a cornerstone of treatment, with newer triazole drugs showing promise.
  • Topical therapies and adjunctive treatments like nail removal enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective onychomycosis management.
  • A combination of systemic and topical treatments, alongside nail care, offers the best approach for clearing fungal nail infections.

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