STL FP Volume 1 Number 3

Diagnosis of onychomycosis can only be established with a positive culture or observation of fungus in the nail clippings. Consideration should be given to cost and possible complications before starting treatment. Recurrent disease is a problem even after a complete cure.

Cold sores can be an embarrassment. They can provide a source of herpes that can autoinoculate into the eye as well as infect others. In atopic dermatitis it can be become very widespread and can also produce erythema multiforme.

Educate and counsel. Most patients with acne are teenagers who are very self-conscious about their looks and expect immediate treatment results. However, adult acne is becoming more common, and can be very distressing as well.