Quality of Life in Patients with Onychomycosis: Preliminary Study

Lee, Jae Bong; Kwon, Kyung Sool; Jang, Ho Sun; Chung, Tae Ahn; Oh, Chang Keun

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is a common fungal nail infection. Characteristic features include ungual and subungual hyperkeratosis, discoloration, onycholysis, nail dystrophy, and periungal pain which may cause cosmetic, social, and psychologic problem to the patients.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose is to evaluate quality of life in patients with onychomycosis. METHOD: We interviewed 100 patients with onychomycosis which was diagnosed by clinical finding and KOH preparation. RESULT: Frequently observed signs and symptoms of onychomycosis were discoloration of nail, hyperkeratosis, nail dystrophy, onycholysis, periungual pain, and periungual inflammation, in descending order Source of infection suspected by patients included military service, shoes, tines pedis, prolonged contact with water, trauma, etc. Most patients suffered from problems with daily and social activity, and psychologic problem at the rate of 64%, 58%, 66%, respectively. Patients who wanted to take medication or treatment were 73%, but they also had several worries about treatment.
CONCLUSION
Many patients with onychomycosis suffered from problems with daily and social activity, and psychologic problem. Therefore, more attention should be paid to the patients with onychomycosis as the development of cultural, social, and economic status.