Onychomycosis: updates and management challenges. A review

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection which affects the nail unit. It was previously thought to be just a cosmetic problem, but presently, it is regarded as a major public health issue because of the impact on the quality of life of the patients.A etiologic factors identified in onychomycosis include increasing age,immunosuppression, occupation and genetics. Management of onychomycosisis both pharmacological and non pharmacological. Pretreatment counseling is important in patients with fungal nail infections and this should include probable length of therapy, possible side effects of treatment and the expenses involved.Patients should be educated on proper nail care and the fact that no treatment isI 00% effective. Presently, combination therapy is advocated for the management of onychomycosis. This is a review of the epidemiology, clinical types,investigations and current considerations in the management of onychomycosis.