Device-based therapies for onychomycosis treatment

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Medical Devices
• Mycology

Background:

• Onychomycosis treatment failure is often linked to patient adherence and adverse effects of systemic antifungal therapies.
• Device-based therapies present a promising alternative to conventional treatments for fungal nail infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review device-based therapeutic modalities for onychomycosis.
• To highlight the advantages of these treatments over traditional methods.

Main Methods:

• Overview of four categories of device-based treatments: laser devices, photodynamic therapy, iontophoresis, and ultrasound.
• Discussion of the noninvasive nature and professional administration of these procedures.

Main Results:

• Device-based therapies mitigate factors contributing to treatment failure in onychomycosis.
• These modalities reduce the need for long-term patient adherence.
• Adverse reactions associated with systemic antifungal therapies are avoided.

Conclusions:

• Device-based therapies are effective, noninvasive alternatives for onychomycosis.
• These treatments offer improved patient compliance and safety profiles compared to systemic antifungals.