Patient satisfaction with oral versus nonoral therapeutic approaches in onychomycosis

The follow-up results of a 9-month observational study of 150 onychomycosis patients treated with a variety of mechanical, topical, and oral therapies by podiatric physicians and dermatologists are presented. Changes from bas eline in toenail condition and patient satisfaction were assessed at 4- and 9-month follow-up. At 9 months, patients who had received oral therapy rep orted significantly fewer onychomycosis-related problems in social situatio ns, including embarrassment or self-consciousness about the appearance of n ails, avoidance of contact by others, being perceived as unclean or untidy, and the desire to keep their nails concealed. Patient-reported satisfactio n with the treatment program was significantly higher for those receiving o ral therapy than for those receiving nonoral therapy.