Onychomycosis
Pronunciation: on-ih-koh-my-KOH-sis
A fungal infection of the nail unit, affecting the nail plate, nail bed, or both, commonly caused by dermatophytes.
Full Definition
Onychomycosis is the most prevalent nail disorder in clinical dermatology and is caused predominantly by dermatophytes (especially Trichophyton rubrum), though non-dermatophyte moulds and Candida species may also be implicated. It is classified by pattern of invasion: distal and lateral subungual, proximal subungual, white superficial, and endonyx types. Editors should note that 'tinea unguium' is a synonymous term restricted to dermatophyte infection and is therefore a narrower term than 'onychomycosis.' In patient-facing documents, 'nail fungus' may appear as a lay equivalent; editors should preserve technical terminology in clinical and research contexts. Lower case in running text.
Usage
Usage note: 'Tinea unguium' is technically a subset of onychomycosis (dermatophyte-only). Do not use the terms as full synonyms without qualification.
In Context
- "Oral terbinafine was prescribed for confirmed onychomycosis affecting the bilateral great toenails." — Dermatology outpatient letter
- "The author used 'tinea unguium' and 'onychomycosis' interchangeably; the editor flagged this as potentially inaccurate." — Manuscript review note