Scanning electron microscopy of superficial white onychomycosis

Abstract

Superficial 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.