[Onychomycosis. Successful treatment with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG-Laser].

Abstract

A 58-year-old man presented with a two-year history of progressive onychodystrophy of the nails of both great toes. Clinical inspection as well as KOH examination and culture confirmed the diagnosis of disto-lateral onychomycosis of both nails caused by Trichophyton rubrum). The diseased nail materially was mechanically débrided. In addition both nails were treated with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser (spot-diameter: 5 mm; pulse-width: 0.3 ms; fluence: 12 J/cm(2); frequency: 5 Hz; impulses: 200 per toenail). The laser therapy was repeated four times at intervals of 2 months. Seven months later the patient showed complete clearance of both nails. We here demonstrate the efficacy of the Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of onychomycosis. Non-ablative laser therapy may present a promising, effective, well-tolerated and cost-efficient option for the treatment of onychomycosis. Controlled studies with relevant patient collectives are urgently needed.

• Authors: N Bunert, B Homey, P A Gerber
• Journal: Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete (Hautarzt) Vol. 64 Issue 10 Pg. 716-8 (Oct 2013) ISSN: 1432-1173 [Electronic] Germany
• Vernacular Title: Onychomykose. Erfolgreiche Behandlung mit dem 1064-nm-Nd:YAG-Laser.
• PMID: 23979073 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Combined Modality Therapy
• Debridement (methods)
• Foot Dermatoses (diagnosis, therapy)
• Humans
• Laser Therapy (methods)
• Lasers, Solid-State (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Onychomycosis (diagnosis, therapy)
• Tinea (diagnosis, therapy)
• Treatment Outcome