A Case of Total Dystrophic Onychomycosis Caused by Candida albicans in Diabetes Mellitus / 대한의진균학회지

ABSTRACT

Onychomycosis is the invasion of the healthy nail plate by species of dermatophytes, as well as a variety of non-dermatophytes (yeasts and moulds) which may cause nail infection, particularly after tissue damage by trauma or disease. Candida albicans and C. parapilosis are the most commonly isolated yeasts from abnormal toenails. The patient was a 20-year-old woman who presented with a thickened and crumbly nail plate of the right second finger for 4 months. Initially, a tiny yellowish macule appeared under the nail plate, which gradually involved the entire nail plate, resulting in complete deformity of the nail. She was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus 4 months ago and her blood sugar level was controlled with subcutaneous insulin injections. Direct microscopic examination of the scrapings prepared with potassium hydroxide revealed fungal elements. Repeated cultures on Sabouraud dextrose agar showed cream to white colored, semi-glossy, flat colonies, which were findings consistent with C. albicans. Complete extraction of the involved nail with meticulous curettage of the nail bed was made. She has been taking 150 mg of oral fluconazole weekly since August 2003 and showed substantial improvement.