tinea unguium

It is a fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) of dermatophytic origin (1).

Tinea unguium is a white decoloration of the nail in which there is subungual hyperkeratosis with separation of the nail plate from the bed. The nail becomes thickened and friable. Toenails (particularly the great toenail) are involved more commonly than the fingernails (2).

Some commonly seen clinical subtypes are:

• distal subungual form - most common
• proximal white subungual form - may be a sign of HIV disease
• white superficial form (2)

Concomitant tinea pedis can be seen in most of the patients (2).

Reference:

• (1) Arroll B, Oakley A. Preventing long term relapsing tinea unguium with topical anti-fungal cream: a case report. Cases J. 2009;2: 70.
• (2) American Academy of Dermatology. Tinea (Dermatophyte) Infections

• aetiology
• clinical features
• differential diagnosis
• investigations
• treatment of tinea unguium
• ringworm

The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Copyright 2001 Oxbridge Solutions Limited™. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions Ltd does not receive income from sponsorship or advertising.