Hani Giryes: The Challenge of Using Er:YAG Laser for Achieving Mycological Cures in Onychomycosis
The decision about the treatment and prognosis of onychomycosis nail clearing is not so simple and seems to be related to geographic area. The reason for this difference maybe climatological, cultural and technological (different laser systems). Laser therapy enables us to perform many approaches that are not accessible by conventional medications alone.
Mycological cure in onychomycosis by using Er:YAG laser and topical medication .
A series of eight patients with clinical and mycological evidence of severe onychomycosis underwent trephination of the diseased nail plates using an Er:YAG laser (SP Dynamis, Fotona, Slovenia), followed by daily applying of a topical antimycotic solution (Lamisil spray, Novartis, Switzerland). Three laser sessions were performed in intervals of 4-6 weeks. Mycological cure, defined as negative potassium hydroxide (KOH) microscopy and negative culture, was obtained in seven patients. The outcome in this small trial is very encouraging and promising. It emphasizes the fact that nail trephination with Er:YAG laser is a valuable tool in non-systemic antimycotic treatment for onychomycosis.
The presented protocol gives us a powerful tool for onychomycosis treatment. As yet, there are no similar prospective, randomized, comparative trials. We need more cases and studies in that way.
