Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Onychomycosis overview
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Onychomycosis means fungal infection of the nails. It represents up to 20% of all nail disorders.
This condition may affect toe- or fingernails, but toenail infections are particularly common. The most common type of onychomycosis (80-90%), caused by dermatophytes, is technically known as tinea unguium (tinea of the nails).[1] It can result in discoloration, thickening, chalkiness, or crumbling of the nails and is often treated by powerful oral medications which, rarely, can cause severe side effects including liver failure.
References
References
- ↑ Perea S, Ramos MJ, Garau M, Gonzalez A, Noriega AR, del Palacio A (2000). “Prevalence and risk factors of tinea unguium and tinea pedis in the general population in Spain”. J. Clin. Microbiol. 38 (9): 3226–30. PMID 10970362.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]