Onychomycosis
Pronunciation: on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis
A fungal infection of the nail unit, most commonly caused by dermatophytes, characterised by nail thickening, discolouration, and subungual debris.
Full Definition
Onychomycosis is the most prevalent nail disorder worldwide, caused primarily by dermatophytes (particularly Trichophyton rubrum), though yeasts and non-dermatophyte moulds may also be responsible. Clinical presentations are subclassified by pattern: distal and lateral subungual, superficial white, proximal subungual, and total dystrophic. Editors will encounter the term in dermatology case reports, pharmaceutical trial manuscripts, and patient information leaflets. It should not be confused with 'onycholysis' (separation of the nail plate from the nail bed), which can be a complication but is a distinct finding. The abbreviation 'OM' is occasionally used in pharmaceutical contexts but should be expanded at first use in editorial documents.
Usage
Usage note: Synonymous with 'tinea unguium' in most contexts; prefer the term used consistently by the author. Do not conflate with 'onycholysis,' which describes nail separation rather than fungal infection.
In Context
- "Microbiological nail sampling confirmed onychomycosis due to Trichophyton rubrum, and oral terbinafine was initiated." — Dermatology outpatient clinic letter
- "The review article used 'tinea unguium' and 'onychomycosis' interchangeably; note to author that both terms are acceptable but consistency is preferred." — Peer-review editorial note