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Published on: April 11, 2013
Onychomycosis treatment in the United States
Arash Taheri1, Scott A Davis, Karen E Huang
1Department of Dermatology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, 4618 Country Club Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104, USA. arataheri@wakehealth.edu.
Abstract:
Onychomycosis is a common progressive infection of the nails that may result in remarkable morbidity. Although there are a variety of treatments available for fungal nail infections with different efficacy and safety profiles, there are limited reports on the ways in which physicians use these treatments or the frequency with which they prescribe them. In this retrospective study, major trends in the prescription and use of antifungal agents for treatment of onychomycosis in the United States were evaluated using data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey. Results showed that current treatment and trends in use of drugs for onychomycosis in the United States are in accordance with recommendations in current guidelines.
Insights
Physicians in the United States prescribe antifungal drugs for onychomycosis (fungal nail infections) consistent with current treatment guidelines. This study analyzed prescription trends for these common nail infections.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Onychomycosis, a prevalent nail infection, causes significant morbidity.
- Limited data exist on physician prescribing patterns for onychomycosis treatments.
- Various antifungal therapies have differing efficacy and safety profiles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate current trends in the prescription and utilization of antifungal agents for onychomycosis treatment in the U.S.
- To compare observed treatment patterns with established clinical guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of prescription data for onychomycosis.
- Utilized data from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS).
- Examined trends in antifungal drug use among U.S. physicians.
Main Results:
- Identified major trends in the prescribing and use of antifungal medications for onychomycosis.
- Observed treatment patterns align with current recommendations in clinical guidelines.
- Demonstrated adherence to established protocols in the management of fungal nail infections.
Conclusions:
- Current physician practices for treating onychomycosis in the U.S. are consistent with existing guidelines.
- The study provides insights into the real-world application of antifungal therapies for nail infections.
- Confirms that established guidelines are generally followed in clinical settings.
