Ellen Davis Jones1. 1. Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Program, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA. ellen_jones@uncg.edu
Abstract
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.
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.