Total Dystrophic Onychomycosis of All the Nails Caused by Non-dermatophyte Fungal Species: A Case Report

Onychomycosis (OM) is a common disease of nails. It is a major public health issue worldwide due to its increasing prevalence. Moreover, OM is associated with substantial consequences including physical and psychological outcomes. Dermatophytes are a group of keratinophilic fungi that account for more than half of OM incidences. However, yeasts and non-dermatophyte molds represent about one-third of OM infections that have recently shown an increasing trend. The knowledge of OM appears to be low among people, especially those who live in rural areas. Therefore, most cases remain undiagnosed, which in turn leads to the spread of fungus within the individual and to other susceptible people. We report a case of total dystrophic onychomycosis involving all the fingernails and toenails in an 87-year-old female patient caused by non-dermatophyte molds.

Automated summary

Onychomycosis is a common nail disease that poses a major public health issue worldwide. Dermatophytes are the main cause of onychomycosis, but there is an increasing trend in yeast and non-dermatophyte mold infections. Lack of knowledge about onychomycosis leads to underdiagnosis and the spread of fungi among individuals and susceptible populations.