Onychomycosis is more than a cosmetic problem.
The nails serve several important functions and, when they are infected by fungal organisms, these functions are severely impaired. In addition, the quality of life, in terms of self-esteem and social interaction, is adversely affected when fungal nail infections are present. Finally, when finger and/or toenails are abnormal this may interfere with patients' occupations.
Scher
R K
RK
Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Dermatology, New York, NY 10032.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000150:complications* / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology; D011788:Quality of Life