Fungal Nail Infections Flashcards
1
Q
what is onychomycosis?
A
fungal infection of the nails
2
Q
what are the causes of onychomycosis?
A
- dermatophytes (90%)
- yeasts
- non-dermatophyte moulds
3
Q
what are the risk factors for onychomycosis?
A
- diabetes
- increasing age
- psoriasis
- repeated nail trauma
4
Q
what are the features of onychomycosis?
A
- ‘unsightly’ nails
- thickened, rough, opaque nails
5
Q
what investigations should be undertaken in onychomycosis?
A
- nail clippings
- scrapings of the affected nail
6
Q
what is the management of asymptomatic onychomycosis?
A
no treatment
7
Q
what is the managment of onychomycosis caused by dermatophyte infection?
A
oral terbinafine
* fingernail = 6-12 weeks therapy
* toenail = 12-20 weeks therapy
* succesful in around 50-80% of people
8
Q
what is the managment of onychomycosis caused by candida infection?
A
mild = topical antifungals (e.g. amorolfine 5%)
* fingernails = 6 months
* toenails = 9-12 months
severe = oral itraconazole for 12 weeks (‘pulsed’ weekly therapy)
