Clinical Effectiveness and Improvement of Quality of Life in Patients with Toenail Onychomycosis by Itraconazole Pulse Therapy

Abstract

Although toenail onychomycosis is not a life-threatening disease, it is not just a cosmetic problem and can have serious adverse effects on the quality of life (QOL) of patients. In this study, we evaluated the impact of itraconazole pulse therapy on the QOL of patients with toenail onychomycosis. A total of 30 patients were asked to complete a QOL questionnaire (Skindex 29) unaided in the waiting room before treatment and on the last follow-up visit (week 48). The results indicate that treatment with itraconazole not only improves toenail onychomycosis clinically and mycologically, but also significantly improves patients' QOL.