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Light treatments of nail fungal infections
Author(s) -
Houang Jessica,
Perrone Gabriel,
Mawad Damia,
Boughton Philip C.,
Ruys Andrew J.,
Lauto Antonio
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of biophotonics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.877
H-Index - 66
eISSN - 1864-0648
pISSN - 1864-063X
DOI - 10.1002/jbio.201700350
Subject(s) - antifungal , dermatology , medicine , photodynamic therapy , antifungal drugs , photothermal therapy , nail (fastener) , intensive care medicine , nanotechnology , chemistry , materials science , organic chemistry , metallurgy
Nail fungal infections are notoriously persistent and difficult to treat which can lead to severe health impacts, particularly in the immunocompromized. Current antifungal treatments, including systemic and topical drugs, are prolonged and do not effectively provide a complete cure. Severe side effects are also associated with systemic antifungals, such as hepatotoxicity. Light treatments of onychomycosis are an emerging therapy that has localized photodynamic, photothermal or photoablative action. These treatments have shown to be an effective alternative to traditional antifungal remedies with comparable or better cure rates achieved in shorter times and without systemic side effects. This report reviews significant clinical and experimental studies in the field, highlighting mechanisms of action and major effects related to light therapy; in particular, the impact of light on fungal genetics.