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Onychomycosis in children
1Department of Dermatology, Hospital Angeles, Guatemala.
International Journal of Dermatology
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Onychomycosis, a common adult nail infection, is increasingly seen in children. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent nail dystrophy and transmission.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Mycology
Background:
- Onychomycosis is the most prevalent nail disorder in adults.
- Recent data indicate a rising incidence of onychomycosis in pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the clinical characteristics and etiological agents of onychomycosis in children under 12 years of age.
Main Methods:
- Clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis was established in pediatric patients.
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations and fungal cultures were performed for each case.
Main Results:
- Twenty-six children (16 boys, 10 girls; average age 8 years) were diagnosed with onychomycosis.
- Distal subungual onychomycosis was the most common type (88.5%), with distal subungual hyperkeratosis as the earliest sign.
- Trichophyton rubrum was the predominant causative agent, identified in 69.2% of cases.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric onychomycosis is not rare and warrants clinical attention.
- Prompt identification of nail abnormalities during physical exams is essential to prevent nail dystrophy.
- Eliminating sources of infection is important for managing pediatric onychomycosis.