PATHOLOGICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC CONSIDERATIONS IN ONYCHOMYCOSIS

Understanding the physiology and function of the nail unit and its pot ential avenues of invasion, and properly identifying invading organism s are two key aspects of using the newer therapies available for the t reatment of onychomycosis. This article discusses the most common path ologies of onychomycosis, as classified by the sites of entry of the i nvading fungi. Susceptibility factors leading to infection are also di scussed. Obtaining proper tissue samples, using appropriate tests and culture media, and accurately interpreting test results are all paramo unt to correct identification of the invading organism and, in turn, t o effective prescribing. When fungal-growth results do not support the clinical symptoms, or if a more specific identification of the organi sm is required, additional diagnostic tests are available and are outl ined here.