pISSN : 1226-4709 eISSN: 2465-8278
Open Access, Peer-reviewed
pISSN : 1226-4709 eISSN: 2465-8278
Open Access, Peer-reviewed
Jae Hur,Hee Joon Yu,Kyu Joong Ahn,Jee Ho Choi,Kee Chan Moon
Epub 2016 February 18
Abstract
Background: Treatment of toenail onychomycosis requires long term oral medication of antifungal agent. So many factors such as preferred treatment option can affect the compliance and cure rate.
Objectives: The objective of the present study was to identify most preferred treatment options for toenail onychomycosis patients.
Methods: This study was undertaken on 190 patients treated toenail onychomycosis, who visited Hanyang University Guri hospital, Konkuk University hospital and Asan Medical center during the period between March 2008 to April 2008.
Results:
1. Mean age of patients was 53.5±15.5 years old, 108 patients (56.8%) were female and 82 patients (43.2%) were male.
2. Mean duration of disease was 7 years 11 months (7.9±8.8 years).
3. The motives of treatment for toenail onychomycosis were 'ugly appearance' (39.8%) and 'pruritus' (33.9%).
4. Seventy six percent of patients had history of treatment for toenail onychomycosis. Most of them (43%) visited dermatologist's office and 14% of them used folk remedy.
5. Continuous therapy was the most common method (47%) in previous treatment. And it was the most common treatment option irrespective of age, disease duration and gender.
6. The most preferred treatment option was also continuous therapy (57%). And 69% of patients who received continuous therapy preferred it, but it was only 48% in pulse therapy group and 38% in weekly pulse therapy group.
7. Sixty six percent of the toenail onychomycosis patients had associated disease.
Conclusions: Continuous therapy was the most convenient method for toenail onychomycosis patients who visited general hospital.
Keywords
Antifungal agent Onychomycosis Preferred treatment Toenail
