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.