Quality of Life in Patients with Onychomycosis: Preliminary Study.
- Author:
Jae Bong LEE
1
;
Kyung Sool KWON
;
Ho Sun JANG
;
Tae Ahn CHUNG
;
Chang Keun OH
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Pusan National University College of Medicine, Pusan, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Onychomycosis;
Quality of life
- MeSH:
Humans;
Inflammation;
Military Personnel;
Onycholysis;
Onychomycosis*;
Quality of Life*;
Shoes;
Water
- From:Korean Journal of Medical Mycology
1997;2(1):25-30
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
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.
