A Timeline of Onychomycosis Therapy and Future Directions

Onychomycosis was first described in the mid-1800's, and early treatment regimens involved applying corrosive substances and nail plate avulsion. It was not until the mid-1900's that more specific antifungal agents were utilized. Initially, only oral drugs were used, with ciclopirox 8% solution later approved in 1999. Presently, terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole (off-label) are used for systemic onychomycosis therapy in the US, and topicals include ciclopirox, efinaconazole and tavaborole. Devices, topicals with new mechanisms of action, and oral medications with potentially better efficacy are now being explored for treatment of onychomycosis.