Onychomycosis overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Onychomycosis means fungal infection of the nails. It represents up to 20% of all nail disorders.
This condition may affect toe- or fingernails, but toenail infections are particularly common. The most common type of onychomycosis (80-90%), caused by dermatophytes, is technically known as tinea unguium (tinea of the nails).[1] It can result in discoloration, thickening, chalkiness, or crumbling of the nails and is often treated by powerful oral medications which, rarely, can cause severe side effects including liver failure.
References
- ↑ Perea S, Ramos MJ, Garau M, Gonzalez A, Noriega AR, del Palacio A (2000). "Prevalence and risk factors of tinea unguium and tinea pedis in the general population in Spain". J. Clin. Microbiol. 38 (9): 3226–30. PMID 10970362.