Effect of onychomycosis on quality of life - 09/09/11
Abstract |
Background: Onychomycosis impairs normal nail functions, causes considerable pain, interferes with daily activities, and has negative psychosocial effects. Objective: Our purpose was to determine patients’ perception of onychomycosis on the quality of life. Methods: A total of 258 patients with confirmed onychomycosis were surveyed by telephone at three centers. Responses to a standardized quality-of-life questionnaire were analyzed for patient demographics, physical and functional impact, psychosocial impact, and economic impact. Results: Highest positive responses were nail-trimming problems (76%), embarrassment (74%), pain (48%), nail pressure (40%), and discomfort wearing shoes (38%). Ability to pick up small objects was impaired in 41% of subjects with fingernail involvement. More than 58 onychomycosis-related sick days and 468 medical visits (1.8 per subject) were reported during a 6-month period. Conclusion: Onychomycosis has significant social, psychologic, health, and occupational effects. Relevance of quality-of-life issues to overall health, earning potential, and social functioning should prompt reconsideration of the value of aggressive treatment of and financial coverage for onychomycosis. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1998;38:702-4.)
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Supported in part by an educational grant from Janssen Pharmaceutica, Inc. |
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Reprint requests: Lynn A. Drake, MD, Massachusetts General Hospital, Dermatology - BAR 604, 40 Blossom St., Boston, MA 02114-2696. |
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0190-9622/98/$5.00 + 0 16/1/89600 |
Vol 38 - N° 5
P. 702-704 - mai 1998 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
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