Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Dynamic Visual Tests to Identify and Quantify Visual Damage and Repair Following Demyelination in Optic Neuritis Patients
12:23

Dynamic Visual Tests to Identify and Quantify Visual Damage and Repair Following Demyelination in Optic Neuritis Patients

Published on: April 14, 2014

Effect of onychomycosis on quality of life

L A Drake1, R K Scher, E B Smith

  • 1Department of Dermatology, the Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114-2696, USA.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
|May 20, 1998
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Onychomycosis significantly impacts daily life, causing pain, embarrassment, and functional issues. Addressing these quality-of-life effects is crucial for effective patient care and treatment coverage.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Public Health
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Onychomycosis, a common nail fungal infection, severely affects nail function.
  • It leads to pain, daily activity limitations, and negative psychosocial impacts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess patient-reported quality of life in individuals with onychomycosis.
  • To understand the multifaceted impact of nail fungus on patients' lives.

Main Methods:

  • A telephone survey of 258 patients with confirmed onychomycosis across three centers.
  • Analysis of a standardized quality-of-life questionnaire, examining demographics, physical, psychosocial, and economic effects.

Main Results:

  • High prevalence of nail-trimming difficulties (76%) and embarrassment (74%).
  • Significant functional impairments reported, including difficulty with fine motor tasks (41%) and wearing shoes (38%).
  • Onychomycosis resulted in substantial health-related absences (58 sick days) and medical visits (1.8 per subject) over six months.

Conclusions:

  • Onychomycosis poses significant social, psychological, health, and occupational challenges.
  • The findings underscore the importance of considering quality-of-life impacts in treatment strategies.
  • Re-evaluation of aggressive treatment and insurance coverage for onychomycosis is warranted based on its broad effects.

More Related Videos

Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home02:28

Measuring Psoriasis Severity at Home

Published on: March 1, 2024

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder04:33

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Published on: April 26, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Factors Affecting Illness01:18

Factors Affecting Illness

When a person's physical, emotional, intellectual, social development or spiritual functioning is compromised, this deviation from a healthy normal state is called illness. Illness creates stress that in turn harms individuals. Irritation, anger, denial, hopelessness, and fear are behavioral and emotional changes an individual experiences in the phases of illness. A variety of factors influence a person's health and well-being.
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness, disability,...
Skin Diseases and Disorders01:23

Skin Diseases and Disorders

Skin is the first line of defense and encounters a variety of microbes. Some pathogenic strains are often the cause of a broad range of infections of the skin and other body systems. These conditions can affect people of all ages and may have different causes, including genetic factors, infections, autoimmune reactions, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices.
Gram-positive Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. are responsible for many of the most common skin infections. However, many...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.01:25

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.

Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management01:26

Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management

IntroductionNephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder marked by excessive protein loss in the urine, leading to various systemic complications. This condition often results from damage to the glomeruli—the kidney's filtering units—causing proteinuria, low blood protein levels, and fluid retention. Understanding the assessment, diagnosis, and management of nephrotic syndrome is essential for effective treatment and prevention of further kidney damage.AssessmentPatient History: Document any history...
Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia01:30

Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia

Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Diabetic Foot Ulcer01:31

Diabetic Foot Ulcer

Definition A diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a chronic, non-healing wound that develops in individuals with diabetes. It typically occurs on pressure-bearing areas such as the heel, metatarsal heads, or hallux, and carries a high risk of infection and amputation.Pathophysiology • The development of DFUs can be explained by four interconnected mechanisms: neuropathy, ischemia, infection, and impaired wound healing. • Neuropathy is the most common factor. Sensory neuropathy reduces pain perception,...