Abstract
Background:-Onychomycosis is invasion of nail plate by fungus, caused by both dermatophytes & non-dermatophytes. In this study, the main aims & objectives are identification of various clinical forms, microbiological agents & epidemiology of onychomycosis as well as its association with various dermatological conditions & systemic diseases in western Rajasthan.
Materials and Methods:-The study involved a total of 150 cases of onychomycosis which was suspected on clinical basis. Subsequently KOH examination & culture was done for identification of microbiological agents causing the disease. Patients were also looked for other skin & systemic diseases.
Results:-In our study, the incidence of onychomycosis was 1.8%. It occurs more commonly in men between age group of 20-50 years, accounting for 80% of total cases. Housewives, office workers, farmers & cattle workers were more commonly affected. Distal & lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO) was seen in 85.33% cases. Toenails & fingernails were affected in 55.9% & 34.6% cases, respectively. KOH was positive in 48.6% cases. Culture showed growth in 37.3% cases. Trichophyton rubram was the most common etiological agent. Associated Keratoderma, asteotic eczema, psoriasis & raised blood sugar was seen in 5%, 2.5%, 2.5% & 6.66% cases, respectively.
Conclusion:-The present study concluded that onychomycosis has an incidence of 1.8% & occurs mainly in age group of 30-40 years of housewives, office workers, farmers & cattle workers. DLSO was most common clinical type affecting toenails more commonly than fingernails & T.rubram was the most common etiological agent.