Understanding Onychomycosis Resolving Diagnostic Dilemmas

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2016

Publication Title

Seminars in cutaneous medicine and surgery

Abstract

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.

Medical Subject Headings

Age Distribution; Diabetes Complications; Diagnosis, Differential; Foot Dermatoses; Humans; Onychomycosis; Prevalence; Risk Factors; Trichophyton; United States

PubMed ID

27074698

Volume

35

Issue

3 Suppl 3

First Page

48

Last Page

50

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