[Diagnosis and therapy of onychomycoses]

Given the four different types of onychomycosis, a large number of differential diagnoses have to be considered. It is therefore imperative that prior to treatment a careful diagnostic evaluation be taken. The simplest methods are the microscopic native (unstained) slide and culture, while more complicated methods are histology, immunofluorescence histology and flow cytometry. For local treatment, antimycotic nail varnishes and urea-containing antimycotic ointments are available, as well as itraconazole, terbinafine and, in the near future, fluconazole, for internal administration.