Onychomycosis: The Podiatric Physician Perspective

In the podiatric physician's office, treatment of onychomycosis usually consists of debridement and in fewer instances than in dermatology care, prescribing an oral or topical antifungal. As a profession, podiatrists are quite knowledgeable about the various approaches to treating onychomycosis. Podiatrists are uniquely positioned in the regard to understand how the biomechanics of the foot translates to a better understanding of the etiologies of pathology of the foot and, in the case of onychomycosis, a way to prevent further irritation and pressure on the nail. Although systemic antifungal agents, such as terbinafine, have proven to be both safe and effective, in podiatric medical practice the mainstays of management of onychomycosis continue to be debridement and topical medication. It is advisable for podiatrists to employ nail dust vacuum attachments as well as wearing masks, if nail grinding is going to be performed.