Antifungal effects of a 1444-nm neodymium:Yttrium–aluminum–garnet laser on onychomycosis: a pilot study. (August 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Choi, Min Ju; Zheng, Zhenlong; Goo, Boncheol; Cho, Sung Bin
• Is Part Of: Journal of dermatological treatment. Volume 25:Number 4(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 294
• Page End: 297
• Publication Date: 2012-08
• Subjects: onychomycosis -- 1444-nm Nd:YAG laser -- antifungal -- colony-forming unit -- scanning electron microscope; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- drug therapy -- Periodicals; Skin Diseases -- therapy -- Periodicals; 616.5
• DOI: 10.3109/09546634.2012.714455
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-6634

Abstract

: Investigations of laser- or light-assisted antibacterial and antifungal treatments have been introduced. In the present study, we investigated the antifungal activities of 1444-nm Nd:YAG lasers against onychomycosis by microbiologic analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Scraped toenails from 20 participants with mycologically confirmed onychomycosis were prepared on polystyrene weighing dishes and treated with a 1444-nm Nd:YAG laser. The samples were analyzed for the presence of colony-forming units (CFUs) and scanning electron microscopy was performed using an toenail treated with the 1444-nm Nd:YAG laser. The mean reduction rate achieved by treatment with a total energy of 300 J was 75.9% (range: 33.3–100), and by treatment with 450 J was 85.5% (range: 66.7–100). However, the difference in CFU reduction rates between the laser settings of 300 J and 450 J was not significant. Analysis by scanning electron microscope revealed numerous disintegrated spores on the lower portions of the nail plate treated with the 1444-nm laser, while the upper portion of the nail plate presented only a few small and greatly disintegrated fungal spores. Our results suggest that a Nd:YAG laser with a wavelength of 1444 nm has antifungal effects on onychomycosis. However, further investigations should be performed to determine the long-term clinical and microbiologic effects of this treatment.