Fungal nail infections

Introduction to Fungal nail infections

Welcome to the Fungal nail infections subsection of the Dermatology for the MSRA course.

This section is designed to provide comprehensive and structured learning materials to help you understand and master the topic of Fungal nail infections for the MSRA.


Resources for Fungal nail infections:

  1. Fungal nail infections Revision Notes for MSRA: Detailed and concise traditional revision notes covering all essential aspects of Fungal nail infections, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment, based on UK NICE guidelines. These notes are displayed in a table format for easy recall and to provide an initial understanding.
  2. Fungal nail infections Flashcards for MSRA: Interactive flashcards to help you memorise key facts and concepts about Fungal nail infections. These are perfect for quick reviews and reinforcing your knowledge.
  3. Fungal nail infections Accordion Q&A Notes for the MSRA: Question-and-answer style revision notes that test your understanding. This active learning format is ideal for retention and covering weak areas quickly.
  4. Fungal nail infections Rapid Fire Quiz for MSRA: A short quiz to assess your knowledge and recall of Fungal nail infections concepts. Use this to track your progress and identify areas that require more focus.

Key Points about Fungal nail infections:

  • Definition: Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are infections caused by fungi affecting the nails, leading to discolored, thickened, and brittle nails.
  • Causes: Common causes include dermatophytes, yeast, and non-dermatophyte molds. The infection is often linked to damp environments, trauma to the nail, or conditions like diabetes or immunosuppression.
  • Symptoms: Patients typically present with thickened, brittle, or discolored nails, which may become painful over time. The nail may lift from the nail bed, and in severe cases, nail loss can occur.
  • Diagnosis: Diagnosis is made by clinical examination and confirmed through nail clippings for microscopy and fungal culture to identify the causative organism.
  • Management: Treatment includes topical antifungal medications for mild cases, oral antifungals such as terbinafine or itraconazole for more severe infections, and lifestyle modifications to prevent reinfection.
  • Complications: If left untreated, fungal nail infections can cause permanent nail damage, secondary bacterial infections, or spread to other areas like the skin.

We encourage you to explore the resources above and review other related topics within the Dermatology for the MSRA course to broaden your understanding and preparation.


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Free MSRA Podcast: Fungal nail infections