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TINEA UNGUIUM
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail bed, nail plate or both. It is caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte molds and yeast.
Tinea unguium or dermatophytic onychomycosis is a dermatophyte infection of the nail more commonly affecting the toenails than the fingernails.
It is usually asymptomatic and patients first consult for cosmetic reasons.
It is suspected if there are changes in the 3rd or 5th toenail, involvement of the 1st and 5th toenails on the same foot and unilateral nail changes.

Definition

  • Specific onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nailbed, nail plate, or both) caused by dermatophytes
  • Also called dermatophytic onychomycosis; more commonly affects the toenails than the fingernails

Signs and Symptoms

  • Usually asymptomatic & patients first consult for cosmetic reasons
    • Onychomycosis is suspected if there are changes in the 3rd or 5th toenail, involvement of the 1st & 5th toenails on the same foot, & unilateral nail changes
  • Patients may complain of numbness, pain, discomfort affecting manual activities & may cause loss of self-esteem & diminished social interaction
  • May manifest as erythematous swelling of the nail fold (paronychia), separation of the nail plate from its bed
  • Onychomycosis is classified based on route of infection & clinical presentation

Risk Factors

  • Aging, male, peripheral vascular diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM), occlusive footwear, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), presence of Tinea pedis, immunosuppression, atopy, hyperhidrosis, exposure to individuals w/ Tinea pedis or onychomycosis
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