Onicomicosisdiagnóstico y tratamiento

Abstract

Onychomycosis refers to nail infections caused by three types of fungi: dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds. Microbiological diagnosis is essential for treatment since it varies according to type of causative agent and the type of nail lesion. In onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes, the most frequent forms of these infections, which generally affect the toenails, topical treatment is usually unsuccessful and prolonged oral treatment is usually required. The treatment of choice is the combination of oral terbinafi ne and amorolfi ne laquer. In most cases of yeast onychomycosis, which mainly affects the fi ngernails, amorolfi ne, or ciclopirox olamine lacquers do not eradicate the infection. Onychomycosis caused by non-dermatophyte molds is unusual, and to avoid confusion with sporadic contaminants, diagnosis should always be confi rmed by two or more positive cultures.