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A prospective study using image analysis to assess the efficacy of a topical treatment kit for mild onychomycosis
Nancy Khammo1, Dave Chesters2, Lauren Goldstone2
1Reckitt Benckiser Healthcare Ltd, Hull, UK.
Background:
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails and is one of the most common dermatological infections worldwide. Infection occurs predominantly in the nails of the feet and if left untreated patients, particularly in at-risk populations, can develop more serious complications, including pain, fissuring and secondary infections. Fungal infections are also contagious and may spread to other nails or to family members. Topical treatments can be effective for mild cases of the disease and typically have fewer contraindications. However, generation of robust efficacy data for topical therapies is often hindered by the difficulties associated with monitoring progression of mild onychomycosis using the conventional methods of mycological culture to obtain confirmation of podiatrist assessments.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to demonstrate image analysis as an effective method to monitor progression of fungal nail infections.
Methods:
A novel digital image analysis technique was used to evaluate improvement in the visual signs of onychomycosis, when using a topical treatment kit for mild fungal nail infections in 60 participants over a 280-day period.
Results:
Image analysis demonstrated a significant (P < .0001) reduction from baseline of the affected nail area throughout the study period, results which were also perceived by the subjects themselves. Use of the treatment kit also limited the deterioration of the infection and prevented transmission to other nails.
Conclusions:
Image analysis was established as a viable method to monitor the progression of fungal nail infections over long periods and demonstrate a clinical benefit following treatment.
Insights
Digital image analysis effectively monitors fungal nail infections, showing significant improvement with topical treatments. This method tracks onychomycosis progression and confirms treatment benefits over time.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Medical Imaging
- Mycology
Background:
- Onychomycosis is a common worldwide fungal nail infection, primarily affecting feet.
- Untreated infections can lead to pain, fissuring, secondary infections, and spread to others.
- Topical treatments offer an option for mild cases, but efficacy data is challenging to obtain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish digital image analysis as an effective tool for monitoring fungal nail infection progression.
- To assess the visual changes in onychomycosis during topical treatment.
Main Methods:
- A novel digital image analysis technique was employed.
- Evaluated visual signs of onychomycosis in 60 participants over 280 days.
- Participants used a topical treatment kit for mild fungal nail infections.
Main Results:
- Image analysis showed a statistically significant reduction in affected nail area.
- Participants perceived improvements in their nail condition.
- Topical treatment limited infection worsening and prevented spread to other nails.
Conclusions:
- Digital image analysis is a viable method for long-term monitoring of fungal nail infections.
- This technique can effectively demonstrate clinical benefits of treatments.
- Image analysis supports the assessment of topical therapies for onychomycosis.
