The Impact of Onychomycosis on Quality of Life: A Systematic Review of the Available Literature

Abstract

Purpose: Onychomycosis is a nail disorder that is increasing in prevalence worldwide. The psychological and social limitations caused by onychomycosis can potentially undermine the work and social lives of those experiencing these negative effects. This review aimed to evaluate the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) available in the current literature on the impact onychomycosis has on quality of life (QoL). Methods: A systematic review was performed using the databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library on July 18, 2017. Only RCTs with clinical effects described in English were included for review. Results: Ten RCTs reported QoL outcomes for patients suffering from onychomycosis. Treatment satisfaction was statistically significant from baseline to end of treatment in 100.0% (4/4) measures which reported on satisfaction with treatment; mental health was also significant in 100.0% (3/3), symptoms index rating in 100.0% (2/2), symptom frequency in 75.0% (3/4), overall problems in 75.0% (3/4), functional activities in 75.0% (6/8), appearance problems in 66.7% (2/3), symptom distress in 57.1% (4/7), and stigma in 40.0% (2/5). The OnyCOE-t^TM and the NailQoL were the most used common outcome measures to describe QoL. Conclusion: The study sanctions that onychomycosis physically and psychologically distresses patients’ lives. Further research should include validated outcome measures to more effectively treat onychomycosis.

Quality Of Life In Patients With Chronic Dermatophytosis

“…Worldwide there are studies describing DLQI in cutaneous fungal infections, mainly onychomycosis, but none for chronic dermatophytosis. 25,27 The DLQI scores in these past studies were far less than the present study for chronic dermatophytosis. The reason for this difference may be due to the geographical and cultural differences between the study subjects of the above mentioned studies.…”

Ciclopirox Hydroxypropyl Chitosan (HPCH) Nail Lacquer: A Review of Its Use in Onychomycosis

“…The infection can have a significant impact on patient quality of life, causing pain, discomfort and physical impairment [3]. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other nails as well as to other parts of the body [4].…”

Google search trends in onychomycosis: Influences of flip flops and advertising

“…With many toenail fungus treatments and disease terms, one consistent observable pattern was a peak in relative interest during the early/mid‐summer months, regardless of region. Previous studies have shown that the visibility of onychomycosis is an aggravating factor for patients experiencing decreased self‐confidence and a lower quality of life 8 . During the late spring and early summer, people generally start wearing sandals and open‐toed shoes, in which their infected toenail is visible to other people.…”