Onychomycosis: current treatment options.
OBJECTIVE
To describe current evidence regarding the treatment of clients with onychomycosis who have one or more chronic illnesses.


METHODS
Current review of research articles, standard pharmaceutical texts, and case studies.


CONCLUSIONS
Onychomycosis is often considered only as a cosmetic diagnosis. Treatment is based on factors such as the client's willingness to pay for expensive therapy and the ability to physically comply with daily regimens; however, treatment of onychomycosis in clients with chronic illnesses including diabetes and peripheral vascular disease should be strongly encouraged. For these clients, onychomycosis is not just a cosmetic diagnosis because it has the potential to decrease mobility and blood flow to the affected digits if left untreated.


CONCLUSIONS
The primary care clinician's successful management of client's with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease should include the treatment of onychomycosis. Recognizing the best treatment is a crucial decision.
Jones
Ellen Davis
ED
Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Program, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA. ellen_jones@uncg.edu
D000935:Antifungal Agents / Q000191:economics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000077768:Ciclopirox; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017964:Itraconazole / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011728:Pyridones / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000935:Antifungal Agents; D011728:Pyridones; D000077768:Ciclopirox; D017964:Itraconazole