Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the nail unit. Onychomycosis can cause pain, discomfort, and disfigurement. The causative agents include dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds.
SYMPTOMS:
Discoloration of nails to white, black, yellow, or green.
Thickening of the nail.
Brittle nails that chip or break easily.
Discoloration of the nail bed and skin around the nail is white or yellow.
Dry or scaly skin around the nail.
foul smell.
TYPES OF ONYCHOMYCOSIS:
There are 5 main subtypes:
Distal lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO)
White superficial onychomycosis (WSO)
Proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO)
Endonyx onychomycosis (EO)
Candidal onchomycosis.
MANAGEMENT OF ONYCHOMYCOSIS:
Medications for onychomycosis can be administered topically or orally. A combination of topical and systematic treatment increases the cure rate. Adjunctive surgical measures may also be used.
Topical therapy for onychomycosis is as follows:
Ciclopirox olamine 8% nail lacquer solution.
Amorolfine or bifonazole/ urea
Efinaconazole 10% topical solution, an oxaborole solution (boron-containing compound)
It can be used in WSO and DLSO limited to distal nail
It should be limited to cases involving less than half of the distal nail plate or for patients unable to tolerate systemic treatment.
Oral therapy for onychomycosis is as follows:
Terbinafine
Itraconazole
Fluconazole and posaconazole are off-label alternatives
Systemic treatment is always required in PSO and DLSO involving the lanula region.
PREVENTION FROM RECURRING ONYCHOMYCOSIS:
Keep your nails clean and dry.
Keep your nails trimmed.
Wear absorbent socks or change your socks throughout the day.
Choose shoes made of materials that breathe.
Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board