Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association
Light Therapy Effectively Treats Onychomycosis and Promotes Healthy Nail Growth in Toenails with Severe Infections: A Longitudinal Cohort Study
By Alexander Rabinovich, Judy Wismer, Francesca Sarzetto and 2 others.
Abstract
Background
Onychomycosis is a stubborn fungal infection of the nail bed that impacts millions of people worldwide. Severe infections, such as those exhibiting deep dermatophytomas or total dystrophy, are particularly challenging to treat, and are often neglected in clinical studies of onychomycosis therapies. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel light therapy suitable for severe cases of distal-lateral subungual onychomycosis.
Methods
All infected nails received a photodisinfection regimen that entailed exposure of the whole dorsal foot surface to light, following application of a topical formula, as well as careful debridement to reduce hyperkeratosis. The protocol was administered every 2 weeks over 6 months. The length of clear healthy nail from the matrix was measured at baseline and after 6 months to evaluate new clear growth.