Abstract: Objective To observe the efficacy and safety of 5% amorolfine liniment in the treatment of distal lateral subungual onychomycosis. Methods Cases with typical clinical manifestations of distal lateral subungual onychomycosis and positive fungal microscopy were topically applied by 5% amorolfine liniment for 36-week (once a week). Calculating the clinical effective rate, mycological clearance rate, the scoring clinical index of onychomycosis, the onychomycosis severity index and the dermatology life quality index before and after treatment. Recording the patient's adverse reactions and satisfaction. Collecting diseased nail tissue for fungal culture. Results Sixty-eight patients were recruited, and the clinical effective rate was 66.1%; the mycological clearance was 82.4%. The clinically effective and the mycological clearance of 2^nd-5^th toenail affected patients were higher. Except for slight pain, burning and erythema, all patients were tolerated. 76.47% of the patients were satisfied with the treatment effect. The life quality improved significantly before and after. Conclusion 5% amorolfine liniment is a safe and effective approach for distal lateral subungual onychomycosis, and can be used for patients who resist or are not suitable for systemic medication.

Key words: onychomycosis, amorolfine, topical treatment