A New Light on Nail Fungus: Lasers Match Drug Efficacy

Treating stubborn fungal nail infections, known as onychomycosis, has a promising alternative to systemic medication. A recent randomised controlled trial has found that a specific type of laser therapy is just as effective as the standard oral drug, itraconazole.

The study involved 90 patients, divided into three groups: one receiving the oral drug, another receiving Q-switched Nd:YAG laser therapy, and a third receiving a combination of both. Itraconazole works by chemically impairing the fungal cell's membrane, while the laser uses a combination of heat and mechanical force to attack the fungus directly.

After nine months of follow-up, researchers found that all three treatments significantly improved the condition. Crucially, there were no significant statistical differences in the final cure rates between the groups. The authors conclude that because the laser treatment demonstrated equal efficacy, it represents a safe and powerful alternative for managing these common infections.