Antifungal Drugs for Onychomycosis: Efficacy, Safety, and Mechanisms of Action

Onychomycosis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention Strategies

Antifungal Drugs for Onychomycosis: Efficacy, Safety, and Mechanisms of Action

Mar
2016
Vol. 35. No. 3
Linda Stein Gold, MD | Theodore Rosen, MD

No scientifically rigorous, large, prospective studies have been done to document the true prevalence of onychomycosis; the reported rates vary mainly by climate and by population, but the overall prevalence in the United States is estimated to be at least 10%. Advanced age and diabetes are the most commonly reported risk factors for onychomycosis. The differential diagnosis of onychomycosis is lengthy, and visual inspection alone is not sufficient for a definitive diagnosis—direct microscopic examination of a wet-mount preparation with 10% to 20% potassium hydroxide is the first-line diagnostic test.

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