Etymed
onychomycosis
Definition
a fungal infection of the nail
Clinical context
A 45-year-old diabetic patient presents with progressive thickening and yellow discoloration of the toenails over several months. The nails are brittle and separate from the nail bed. Culture of nail clippings grows dermatophyte fungi. Onychomycosis is the most common cause of nail infection in adults, particularly those with diabetes or compromised immune systems.
Mnemonic
ONYCHOMYCOSIS = ONYX (nail) + MYCOSIS (fungal infection)