Onychomycosis: A study of self-recognition by patients and quality of life.
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Date
2015-05
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Abstract
Background: Onychomycosis accounts for approximately half of all nail disorders and is
usually asymptomatic. Objectives: To evaluate patients’ recognition of fungal nail disease,
concomitant fungal skin diseases, complications, and quality of life. Methods: Patients from
the fungal nail clinic were enrolled between May 2011 and April 2012. Patients’ awareness of
diseased nails was evaluated and the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire
was used to evaluate the impact of dermatologic disease on quality of life. Results: A total of
110 patients with onychomycosis were enrolled in the study, of which 64 (58.2%) were female
and the mean age was 60.8 years. The number of patients who were able to recognize the
presence of onychomycosis was 71 (64.5%), while 32 (29.1%) and 7 (6.4%) were diagnosed
by a dermatologist and other physicians, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that
patient recognition of the disease was signifi cantly associated with female sex and young
age. The mean DLQI score was 3.6. Limitation: Patient recall bias including the duration
of fungal nail infection, long-term past history and previous treatment was a limitation of
this study that affected DLQI scores. Conclusion: About half of onychomycosis patients,
especially elderly males, could not recognize the disease by themselves. It is important for
physicians to educate patients with risk factors for onychomycosis to recognize this condition
early to prevent concomitant infection and complications, and to improve patients’ well-being.
Description
Keywords
Complication, cutaneous fungal infection, onychomycosis, quality of life
Citation
Bunyaratavej Sumanas, Pattanaprichakul Penvadee, Leeyaphan Charussri,Chayangsu Onjuta, Bunyaratavej Supapat, Kulthanan Kanokvalai. Onychomycosis: A study of self-recognition by patients and quality of life. Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology. 2015 May-Jun; 81(3): 270-274.