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Onychomycosis: A study of self-recognition by patients and quality of life
Sumanas Bunyaratavej, Penvadee Pattanaprichakul, Charussri Leeyaphan1
1Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Background:
Onychomycosis accounts for approximately half of all nail disorders and is usually asymptomatic.
Objectives:
To evaluate patients' recognition of fungal nail disease, concomitant fungal skin diseases, complications, and quality of life.
Methods:
Patients from the fungal nail clinic were enrolled between May 2011 and April 2012. Patients' awareness of diseased nails was evaluated and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire was used to evaluate the impact of dermatologic disease on quality of life.
Results:
A total of 110 patients with onychomycosis were enrolled in the study, of which 64 (58.2%) were female and the mean age was 60.8 years. The number of patients who were able to recognize the presence of onychomycosis was 71 (64.5%), while 32 (29.1%) and 7 (6.4%) were diagnosed by a dermatologist and other physicians, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that patient recognition of the disease was significantly associated with female sex and young age. The mean DLQI score was 3.6.
Limitation:
Patient recall bias including the duration of fungal nail infection, long-term past history and previous treatment was a limitation of this study that affected DLQI scores.
Conclusion:
About half of onychomycosis patients, especially elderly males, could not recognize the disease by themselves. It is important for physicians to educate patients with risk factors for onychomycosis to recognize this condition early to prevent concomitant infection and complications, and to improve patients' well-being.
Insights
Many onychomycosis patients, particularly elderly males, fail to recognize fungal nail infections. Early recognition by physicians is crucial for preventing complications and improving patient well-being.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Public Health
Background:
- Onychomycosis represents approximately 50% of all nail disorders.
- This fungal nail infection is typically asymptomatic, contributing to delayed diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess patient awareness of fungal nail disease (onychomycosis).
- To identify associated fungal skin conditions and potential complications.
- To evaluate the impact of onychomycosis on patients' quality of life using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI).
Main Methods:
- A study enrolled 110 patients diagnosed with onychomycosis from a dedicated fungal nail clinic.
- Patient self-recognition of nail disease was assessed.
- The DLQI questionnaire was administered to measure the quality of life impact.
Main Results:
- 64.5% of patients recognized their onychomycosis; 29.1% were diagnosed by dermatologists.
- Younger age and female sex were significantly associated with higher patient recognition rates.
- The average DLQI score was 3.6, indicating a moderate impact on quality of life.
Conclusions:
- A significant portion of onychomycosis patients, especially elderly males, do not recognize the condition themselves.
- Physician education on risk factors is vital for early onychomycosis detection.
- Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent secondary infections and improve patient outcomes.
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