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Updated: May 8, 2026
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Published on: March 24, 2022
Fast elimination of onychomycosis by hematoporphyrin derivative-photodynamic therapy
Ana Paula da Silva1, Cristina Kurachi, Vanderlei Salvador Bagnato
1University of Sao Paulo, Physics Institute of Sao Carlos, 13566-590 Sao Carlos, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
Onychomycosis is a fungal nail disease and is one of the major onychopathy worldwide. Topical or oral antifungal therapies are used to treat this disease, but often they are inefficient and oral medications can even cause several side effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well established technique and hence, may represent an alternative non invasive technique for the treatment of onychomycosis. In this work, we present a case of onychomycosis that was completely cured by using the porphyrin-photodynamic therapy. A 59-year-old patient, who had two nails with onychomycosis (the right and the left hallux, with more than thirty and ten years, respectively) caused by fungi was treated once a week for a period of six weeks. The nails were first treated and prepared by a specialist. An hour after the photosensitization, the nail was illuminated using a light source based on light emitting diodes (LEDs) in the red wavelength (630 nm, at a total dose of 54 J/cm(2)).
Insights
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers a non-invasive alternative for fungal nail infections (onychomycosis). A case study shows complete cure of chronic onychomycosis using porphyrin-PDT, highlighting its potential effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Photomedicine
- Mycology
Background:
- Onychomycosis is a prevalent fungal nail disease globally.
- Current treatments like topical and oral antifungals have limitations, including inefficiency and side effects.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) presents a potential non-invasive therapeutic option.
Observation:
- A 59-year-old patient with chronic onychomycosis affecting both hallux nails was treated.
- Treatment involved weekly sessions for six weeks.
- Nails were photosensitized, followed by illumination with red LED light (630 nm, 54 J/cm(2)).
Findings:
- The case study reports complete resolution of onychomycosis following the porphyrin-PDT treatment.
- The treatment protocol was administered over a six-week period.
- The patient's chronic fungal nail infection showed a complete cure.
Implications:
- Porphyrin-PDT demonstrates promise as an effective and non-invasive treatment for onychomycosis.
- This approach may offer a safer alternative to systemic antifungal medications.
- Further research into PDT for onychomycosis is warranted to establish its broader clinical utility.
