ABSTRACT

Background:

Onychomycosis means fungal infection of nails. Causative agents are yeasts and dermatophyte or nondermatophyte molds. Toenail onychomycosis mainly caused by dermatophytes while yeasts come into prominence for fingernails. Risk factors are genetic predisposition, age, swimming, tinea pedis, psoriasis, diabetes and immunodeficiency. It is important to consider differential diagnosis including trauma, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, onychogryphosis before starting antimycotic treatment. Although there are different clinical forms such as distal subungual, proximal subungual, white superficial, nondermatophytic and yeast onychomycosis, treatment options are similar. Topical therapies for onychomycosis are generally not effective so systemic antifungals are required.