Onychomycosis: Current and Future Therapies

Onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail plate by dermatophytes, yeasts, and nondermatophyte molds, is common in the United States with a prevalence of 10% to 12%. The clinical presentation of onychomycosis is shown in the Figure. Some patients have mild asymptomatic disease and do not seek treatment. More advanced cases of onychomycosis present with pain and discomfort, secondary infection, an unattractive appearance, or problems performing everyday functions. The goal of treatment is to eliminate the fungus if possible and to restore the nail to its normal state when it fully grows out.