Epidemiology of onychomycoses assessed by histomycology in psoriatic patients

peer reviewedOnychomycosis is a common condition in the adult population. It has been reported to be more prevalent in association with some specific diseases including psoriasis. This study using combined histomycology and cultures was performed on nail clippings collected from thickened dystrophic toenails in 233 eligible psoriatic patients. Onychopathies associated with psoriasis were more numerous in men. Their prevalence increased up to the age of 40 and remained stable thereafter. A total of 42/233 cases were diagnosed as onychomycoses. These infections were more prevalent in middle-aged men. The identified infectious agents (35/42 cases) frequently corresponded to dermatophytes, but Candida albicans was also implicated, particularly in women. (c) 2006 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved