Diagnosing onychomycosis is vital for effective treatment and involves both clinical examination and laboratory tests. The diagnosis often starts with a visual inspection to identify typical signs of fungal infections. Further diagnostic methods include:
- KOH Testing: This involves scraping the nail and treating it with potassium hydroxide to dissolve the keratin and reveal fungal elements under a microscope.
- Culture: Nail samples are cultured to identify the specific fungus responsible for the infection.
- Histological Examination: Nail clippings are stained and examined under a microscope to detect fungal elements directly.
- Dermoscopy: A non-invasive technique providing a magnified view of the nail, helpful in visualizing subtle clinical signs.
