Onychomycosis: Clinical overview and diagnosis

Abstract

Onychomycosis is a fungal nail infection caused by dermatophytes, nondermatophytes, and yeast, and is the most common nail disorder seen in clinical practice. It is an important problem because it may cause local pain, paresthesias, difficulties performing activities of daily life, and impair social interactions. In this continuing medical education series we review the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical presentation of onychomycosis and demonstrate current and emerging diagnostic strategies.

Keywords: Trichophyton rubrum; biofilm; confocal microscopy; dermatophyte; dermoscopy; direct microscopy; fungal culture; fungal nail infection; histopathology; nondermatophyte; onychomycosis; optical coherence tomography; polymerase chain reaction; tinea pedis; yeast.