Abstract | BACKGROUND: Recent research shows that lasers can inhibit fungal growth and that Nd:YAG 1064-nm lasers can penetrate as deep as the lower nail plate. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of a long-pulse Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser on 154 nails of 33 patients with clinically and mycologically proven onychomycosis. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with 154 nails affected by onychomycosis were randomly assigned to two groups, with the 154 nails divided into three sub-groups (II degree, III degree, and IV degree) according to the Scoring Clinical Index of Onychomycosis. The 15 patients (78 nails) in group 1 were given eight sessions with a one-week interval, and the 18 patients (76 nails) in group 2 were given four sessions with a one-week interval. RESULTS: In group 1, the effective rates at 8 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks were 63%, 62%, and 51%, respectively, and the effective rates in group 2 were 68%, 67%, and 53% respectively. The treatment effect was not significantly different between any sub-group pair (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Long pulse Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser was effective for onychomycosis. It is a simple and effective method without significant complications or side effects and is expected to become an alternative or replacement therapy for onychomycosis.
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Authors | Rui-na Zhang, Dong-kun Wang, Feng-lin Zhuo, Xiao-han Duan, Xiao-yan Zhang, Jun-ying Zhao |
Journal | Chinese medical journal
(Chin Med J (Engl))
Vol. 125
Issue 18
Pg. 3288-91
(Sep 2012)
ISSN: 2542-5641 [Electronic] China |
PMID | 22964325
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Female
- Humans
- Lasers, Solid-State
(therapeutic use)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Onychomycosis
(surgery)
- Young Adult
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