Quality of Life in Patients with Toenail Onychomycosis
November 15, 1999
Quality of Life in Patients with Toenail Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis may affect as many as 15-20% of persons older than 40 years. Though often viewed as a disorder resulting primarily in cosmetic deficits, it can also produce discomfort, pain, and physical limitations. The effect on health-related quality of life by such dysfunction has received little literature attention, but in studies to date, patients have been found to have poorer scores in such diverse areas as general health, bodily pain, mental health, and social functioning. Whether these impairments improve with treatment is the subject of this investigation.
This observational study included 113 patients, mean age 60, enrolled by dermatologists and podiatrists, who were followed for nine months and received a variety of treatment(s) for their disorder at the discretion of the treating clinician. Patients represented a diversity of socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
At the conclusion of the observational period, toe symptom frequency, bother, problems with appearance, and overall burden of the condition were improved by treatment. General health perceptions, pain, social function, and health distress were unchanged from baseline. Overall satisfaction with treatment was substantially better than at baseline. It is encouraging that in this first-to-be-reported longitudinal study of health-related quality-of-life issues in onychomycosis, treatment is associated with favorable outcomes.
Lubeck DP, et al. J Clin Outcomes Management 1999;6(8):37-42.
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