Onychomycosis and Immunodepression

Abstract

This review summarizes the most relevant information on onychomycosis in patients with immunosuppressive disorders and also compares the distinctive characteristics and approach with the general population. Onychomycosis in immunocompromised patients has a similar clinical presentation to the one in the general population, yet there are still differences. For instance, the white variety also known as mycotic leukonychia is characteristic among the group, being more common among patients with HIV/AIDS. Proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO) and white superficial onychomycosis (WSO) have been proposed as markers of disease progression among HIV patients. Among the diabetic, onychomycosis in general has been found closely linked with complications. The prevalence of onychomycosis in immunocompromised patients is up to three times higher when compared the one described in the general population, representing an important public health problem, closely related to the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, it is important to identify the characteristic clinical presentation among this group of patients, diagnose accordingly, and initiate appropriate therapy to avoid complications and improve outcome.