Onychomycosis: correlation between the dermoscopic patterns and fungal culture

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim was to correlate the results of fungal investigations (Direct KOH and fungal culture) with dermoscopic findings on clinically suspected cases of onychomycosis and to evaluate dermoscope as an alternative tool in diagnosis of such cases.BackgroundOnychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail plate or nail bed. There are four clinical types of onychomycosis: distal and lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSOM), proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSOM), white superficial onychomycosis (WSOM), and total dystrophic onychomycosis (TDOM).Patients and methodsThis study was conducted at Menoufia University Hospital on 44 patients with a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis. Full history taking and complete general examination were performed to detect associated systemic diseases. Dermatological examination was done to exclude any associated dermatological diseases that can affect the nails, such as psoriasis, lichen planus, alopecia areata, eczema and/or melanomas. Photography of the nail using digital camera and dermoscopic examination of the nail also were done to our patients.ResultsJagged proximal edge, longitudinal white striae and chromonychia were more frequently observed in patients with DLSOM. Straight onycholytic area was observed in 4 cases of DLSOM. Subungual hyperkeratosis was significantly associated with TDOM. Leukonychia was significantly associated with PSOM. Our results reported that, all dermoscopic patterns were significantly associated with positive fungal growth cultures.ConclusionDermoscope may be considered quick, easy, helpful, effective, and inexpensive tool for confirmation the diagnosis of clinically suspected cases of onychomycosis.