Pronounced: ahn-ee-ko-my-KO-sis
Onychomycosis is an infection of the nail caused by a fungus. The infection occurs more often on toenails than fingernails.
The fungi that cause onychomycosis thrive in warm, moist environments. Factors that may contribute to onychomycosis include:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
Risk factors for onychomycosis include:
Onychomycosis can affect one or more nails.
Symptoms include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may need to be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin and nail disorders (a dermatologist). The doctor may scrape or clip the nail to send a sample for testing.
Tests on the nail sample may include:
Since nails grow slowly, it can take up to a year to have a completely clear nail. Onychomycosis can be difficult to treat and may return after treatment. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Surgery to remove the nail is sometimes performed in severe cases of onychomycosis. A new nail grows in its place.
To help reduce your chance of getting onychomycosis, take the following steps:
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Just the Berries for Family Physicians
http://www.theberries.ns.ca
References:
Habib TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Inc; 2004.
Haggerty M. Don’t let fungal nail infections get the upper hand. Dermatology Insights . Spring 2001:30.
Medical encyclopedia: fungal nail infection. National Institutes of Health Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001330.htm . Accessed July 13, 2005.
Nail fungus. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/printinvoker.cfm?objectid=74D7D49E-8563-4EA5-B3DC570459BE33E9 . Accessed July 13, 2005.
Nandedkar-Thomas MA, Scher RK. An update on disorders of the nails. J Am Acad Dermatol . 2005;52:877-887.
Rodgers P, Bassler M. Treating onychomycosis. Am Fam Physician . 2001; 63:663-72,677-8.
Last reviewed November 2008 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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