Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Using a 1064-nm Picosecond Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser for Periorbital Hyperpigmentation
04:43

Using a 1064-nm Picosecond Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet Laser for Periorbital Hyperpigmentation

Published on: May 23, 2025

Laser therapy for onychomycosis

Aditya K Gupta, Fiona C Simpson

    Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery
    |September 27, 2013
    PubMed
    Abstract

    Insights

    Laser therapy is approved only for cosmetic onychomycosis (nail fungus) treatment. Current evidence is insufficient to recommend it for eradicating fungal infections, requiring more rigorous trials.

    Area of Science:

    • Dermatology
    • Medical Technology

    Background:

    • Laser therapy is an emerging treatment for onychomycosis (nail fungus).
    • Its application and efficacy require thorough investigation.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review current and prospective laser systems for onychomycosis treatment.
    • To assess the available evidence on laser therapy for nail fungus.

    Main Methods:

    • Searched multiple databases (PubMed, FDA 510(k), ClinicalTrials.gov, Google Scholar).
    • Included in vitro studies, clinical trials, and manufacturer white papers.
    • Assessed clinical trials using a 20-point methodological quality scale.

    Main Results:

    • Identified limited basic science and peer-reviewed articles, plus white papers and pending trials.
    • Commercial laser device systems for onychomycosis are available globally.
    • Clinical trials showed moderate methodological quality (average 9.1/20), with peer-reviewed studies scoring higher.

    Conclusions:

    • Laser therapy is currently approved solely for cosmetic onychomycosis treatment.
    • It is not recommended as a therapeutic intervention for fungal infection eradication.
    • More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish efficacy compared to existing treatments.

    Related Concept Videos

    Antifungal Agents01:15

    Antifungal Agents

    Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
    Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment01:27

    Open Angle Glaucoma: Treatment

    In open-angle glaucoma, the iridocorneal angle remains open, but the trabecular meshwork becomes stiff, slowing down the outflow of aqueous humor. This causes a buildup of aqueous humor in the anterior chamber, leading to a sudden increase in intraocular pressure. The treatment for open-angle glaucoma focuses on reducing the elevated intraocular pressure by either decreasing the secretion of aqueous humor or increasing its outflow.
    Drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, α2- and...
    Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment01:28

    Angle Closure Glaucoma: Treatment

    Angle-closure glaucoma, or closed-angle glaucoma, is an eye condition where the iris bulges out and blocks the iridocorneal angle, resulting in a buildup of aqueous humor and increased intraocular pressure. Immediate medical attention is necessary due to the sudden onset of symptoms. The treatment for angle-closure glaucoma includes short-term and long-term approaches. Short-term treatment involves using eye drops like pilocarpine to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor...