ONYCHOMYCOSIS IN CHILDREN

Background. Onychomycosis is the most common nail disease in adults. During recent years an increase in its frequency has been reported in children. Materials and Methods. Children under 12 years were examined and a clinical diagnosis of onychomycosis was made (Figs. 1-4). Potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparations were made and a fungus culture was done in each case. Results. Twenty-six children with onychomycosis are reported; 16 boys (61.4%) and 10 girls (38.6%). The average age was 8 years. The most frequent variety was distal subungual onychomycosis (88.5%) and the earliest sign was distal subungual hyperkeratosis. The agent most frequently isolated was Trichophyton rubrum which was found in 18 cases (69.2%). Conclusions. Onychomycosis in children is not exceptional. Attention should be given to any sign during physical examination to avoid dystrophy of the nails and also to eliminate any source of infection.