Onychomycosis: current treatment options.

Purpose: To describe current evidence regarding the treatment of clients with onychomycosis who have one or more chronic illnesses.

Data Sources: Current review of research articles, standard pharmaceutical texts, and case studies.

Conclusions: Onychomycosis is often considered only as a cosmetic diagnosis. Treatment is based on factors such as the client's willingness to pay for expensive therapy and the ability to physically comply with daily regimens; however, treatment of onychomycosis in clients with chronic illnesses including diabetes and peripheral vascular disease should be strongly encouraged. For these clients, onychomycosis is not just a cosmetic diagnosis because it has the potential to decrease mobility and blood flow to the affected digits if left untreated.

Implications For Practice: The primary care clinician's successful management of client's with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and peripheral vascular disease should include the treatment of onychomycosis. Recognizing the best treatment is a crucial decision.