ISSN: 2574-7800
Authors: Su F, Jiang W, Fang Y and Cai H*
Purpose: To explore the effect of dermoscopy using a long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser in the treatment of onychomycosis. Methods: Eight patients with onychomycosis (a total of 55 diseased nails) were enrolled in the study and treated every week for a total of 12-16 sessions using a long pulsed 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser. In each session, diseased nails were irradiated for three times, with a 1 minute pause between each passage. Dermoscopic images were obtained using a special lens. Results: Thirteen of the diseased nails were cured. Twenty-four and 14 diseased nails showed excellent and good results, respectively with a significant reduction in white longitudinal stripes, jagged proximal edge, onycholysis, and opacity. However, the treatment was ineffective in four diseased nails. Conclusions: Long-pulsed 1064-nm Nd: YAG laser may be an alternative option for the treatment of mild onychomycosis. Dermoscopy is of great significance in improving the clinical diagnosis and evaluation of onychomycosis.
Keywords: Outcome measurement; Dermoscopy; Nail disorders; Infection; Laser
