tinea unguium /un′gwē·əm/ , a superficial fungal infection of the nails caused by various species of Trichophyton and occasionally by Candida albicans. It is more common on the toes than the fingers and can cause complete crumbling and destruction of the nails. Itraconazole and terbinafine are the drugs of choice, but they must be continued until the nail has regrown completely. See also onychomycosis.
