Peer Reviewed
Feature Article Infectious diseases
Fighting fungal nail infections
Abstract
Fungal nail infection is an important health problem, especially in older people as it can limit patients’ mobility and affect self-esteem. Correct diagnosis is vital as many conditions mimic its appearance. New oral treatments offer good cure rates for these patients.
Key Points
- Other conditions can mimic onychomycosis clinically; 50% of apparent fungal nail infection has another cause.
- Proper testing for fungal nail infection is essential.
- New oral treatments for fungal nail infection are very effective compared with previous treatments.
- Treatment needs to be long term; therefore, costs and risks need to be considered and discussed with patients.
- Toenails may have residual traumatic dystrophy after treatment.
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