EFFECT OF ONYCHOMYCOSIS ON QUALITY-OF-LIFE

Background: Onychomycosis impairs normal nail functions, causes consid erable pain, interferes with daily activities, and has negative psycho social effects. Objective: Our purpose was to determine patients' perc eption of onychomycosis on the quality of life. Methods: A total of 25 8 patients with confirmed onychomycosis were surveyed by telephone at three centers. Responses to a standardized quality-of-life questionnai re were analyzed for patient demographics, physical and functional imp act, psychosocial impact, and economic impact Results: Highest positiv e responses were nail-trimming problems (76%), embarrassment (74%), pa in (48%), nail pressure (40%), and discomfort wearing shoes (38%). Abi lity to pick up small objects was impaired in 41% of subjects with fin gernail involvement. More than 58 onychomycosis-related sick days and 468 medical visits (1.8 per subject) were reported during a B-month pe riod. Conclusion: Onychomycosis has significant social? psychologic, h ealth, and occupational effects. Relevance of quality-of-life issues t o overall health, earning potential, and social functioning should pro mpt reconsideration of the value of aggressive treatment of and financ ial coverage for onychomycosis.