title: A review of lasers and light for the treatment of onychomycosis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection that affects many individuals. Systemic therapies are effective, but are limited by their side effects and potential for hepatotoxicity. Topical therapies have less serious side effects, yet provide only limited efficacy due to their inability to penetrate the nail plate. These limitations have led to the investigation of laser and light-based modalities as alternative treatment options for onychomycosis. This article will provide an overview and critical assessment of the field of laser and other energy-based treatments for onychomycosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  A literature search was conducted on laser and light-based treatments for onychomycosis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Early data are promising, however, many of these studies are small or poorly designed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further evaluation and larger studies are needed to determine the optimal light source, pulse duration, and treatment schedule for long-term success.
authors.affiliation: Dermatology Cosmetic and Laser Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114; Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114; UC San Diego, San Diego, California, 92122.
authors.forename: Arisa E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Ortiz
authors.forename: Mathew M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Avram
authors.forename: Molly A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Wanner
mesh_terms: D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D053844:Lasers, Solid-State / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014009:Onychomycosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy
chemical_list: D017319:Photosensitizing Agents
keywords: fungal infection; fungus; nails; podiatry; toenails