In the last year a few laser systems were introduced for the treatment of nail fungI.
The idea behind the nail fungus laser is the difference in water content of the fungi (70 percent) and the keratinous material in the nails (7 percent) .
The laser used to treat nail fungi emits a wavelength that is absorbed in water heating the fungal cells to 70 deg Celsius and destroying them. The nails which contain less water – heat less – and are not damaged.
Treatment with these lasers are quite painful but do not seem to have long term safety concerns.
The first laser to be cleared by the FDA for the temporary improvement in nail fungi uses Infra red light (1064 nm) to heat the nails.
Clinical studies showing real cure (Clinical and laboratory) of nails with fungus = onychomycosis are very few . It does seem that these lasers may destruct at least part of the nails fungi but there is no evidence for long term improvement. This will require total destruction of whole fungi which seems to be very difficult to achieve with current available lasers.
Adding topical treatment to the laser with possibly once a week oral treatment (fluconazole) may increase efficacy.
Further large controlled studies need to be done to prove advantage of anti fungal lasers over long term topical treatments.
type of lasers for nail fungi:
Pnpoint 1064nm Nd:Yag, 65ms FDA cleared
coolbreeze 1320nm
Cutera 1064nm Nd:Yag
Noveon IR Diode laser
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