Devices in Onychomycosis: A Status Update

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Onychomycosis is a persistent fungal nail infection.
• Treatment is difficult due to nail plate barriers, long durations, and frequent recurrence.
• Conventional therapies often have limitations in efficacy and patient compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence on device-based modalities for onychomycosis management.
• To assess the potential of novel technologies as adjunctive or alternative treatments.
• To highlight the emerging role of device-based interventions in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating device-based treatments for onychomycosis.
• Included modalities: lasers, photodynamic therapy, plasma therapy, ultrasound, iontophoresis, and nail drilling.
• Analysis focused on reported clinical improvements and reduction in fungal burden.

Main Results:

• Early studies indicate potential clinical benefits and reduced fungal load with device-based therapies.
• Techniques explored include laser, photodynamic, plasma, ultrasound, iontophoresis, and nail drilling.
• The overall quality of evidence supporting these modalities is currently low.

Conclusions:

• Device-based modalities represent a promising area for onychomycosis treatment.
• Further high-quality research is needed to establish definitive efficacy and optimal protocols.
• These interventions offer potential adjunctive or alternative strategies to improve therapeutic outcomes.