Profile: Onychomycosis

Definition:   Nails exhibiting an abnormal appearance characterised by thick plates of abnormal white or yellow colour, as well as scaling and deformation, which could be distal subungual or proximal subungual.

Internal and external causes:   Fungal infection (dermatophytes, Candida).

How to reduce or eliminate them:   Use of oral terbinafine and itraconazole; occasional use of topical treatments (e.g., efinaconazole, tavaborole, 8% ciclopirox, amorolfine).

Preventive measures:   Dry your feet thoroughly after showering; avoid walking barefoot in swimming pools, on hotel carpets, etc.; keep your toenails trimmed short; air out your shoes to limit moisture; regularly disinfect your nail care tools.