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Journal of Foot and Ankle Research
Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research 1/2014

Open Access 01-12-2014 | Review

The effectiveness of lasers in the treatment of onychomycosis: a systematic review

Author: Ivan R Bristow

Published in: Journal of Foot and Ankle Research | Issue 1/2014

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Abstract

Background

Onychomycosis is a common nail pathology which has proven to be a treatment challenge to healthcare professionals. Antifungal drugs have been the mainstay of therapy for many years. Recently, laser technologies have been introduced as a treatment for onychomycosis avoiding the disadvantages of systemic and topical drug therapies, offering a rapid treatment for an often persistent nail condition. The purpose of this study was to review published evidence regarding the effectiveness of laser technologies in the treatment of onychomycosis.

Methods

The primary question for this review was “what evidence is there for the use of lasers in the treatment of onychomycosis”? A systematic literature search of published papers indexed on Pubmed and Web of Science® was undertaken in June 2014 for original, published research. The primary outcome measures for efficacy were mycological cure and clearance of the affected nail (clinical cure).

Results

This review returned a total of twelve eligible published studies evaluating the use of lasers in the treatment of onychomycosis. Two were randomised controlled trials, four were comparative design studies (with no placebo/control groups) and the remainder were case series. The level of evidence was generally low level reflecting predominantly small sample size and lack of control groups. The results from studies were conflicting and follow up periods for patients in studies were generally short. Many studies excluded patients with severe or dystrophic onychomycosis.

Conclusions

The evidence pertaining to the effectiveness of laser treatment of onychomycosis is limited and of poor methodological quality. Future studies using a randomised controlled trial designs with larger study populations and clear procedures are required to permit a full evaluation of this emerging technology.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
The effectiveness of lasers in the treatment of onychomycosis: a systematic review
Author
Ivan R Bristow
Publication date
01-12-2014
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Foot and Ankle Research / Issue 1/2014
Electronic ISSN: 1757-1146
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-1146-7-34

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