Fungal Nail Infections

Question 1

What is the medical name of fungal nail infection?

Answer 1

Onychomycosis

Question 2

What are the causes of fungal nail infection?

Answer 2

Dermatophytes - mainly trichophyton rubrum
Yeasts - such as Candida
Non-dermatophyte moulds

Question 3

What are risk factors for fungal nail infections?

Answer 3

Diabetes mellitus

Increasing age

Question 4

What are the symptoms of fungal nail infections?

Answer 4

‘Unsightly’ nails

Thickened, rough, opaque nails

Question 5

What is the differential diagnosis for fungal nails?

Answer 5

Psoriasis
Repeated trauma
Lichen planus
Yellow nail syndrome

Question 6

What are the investigations for fungal nail infections?

Answer 6

Nail clippings/scrapings

False-negatives 30%

Question 7

What is the management of fungal nail infections?

Answer 7

Not needed if asymptomatic and patient not bothered.

Dermatophyte: Oral terbinafine or itraconazole

Candida: Topical amorolfine or itraconazole