Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia (Oct 2015)

Scanning electron microscopy of superficial white onychomycosis

  • Hiram Larangeira de Almeida Jr.,
  • Roberta Oliveira Boabaid,
  • Vitor Timm,
  • Ricardo Marques e Silva,
  • Luis Antonio Suita de Castro

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20154136
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 90, no. 5
pp. 753 – 755

Abstract

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AbstractSuperficial white onychomycosis is characterized by opaque, friable, whitish superficial spots on the nail plate. We examined an affected halux nail of a 20-year-old male patient with scanning electron microscopy. The mycological examination isolated Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Abundant hyphae with the formation of arthrospores were found on the nail's surface, forming small fungal colonies. These findings showed the great capacity for dissemination of this form of onychomycosis.

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