What does science say about light therapy for nail fungus?

Fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis, are persistent and difficult to treat, often requiring long-term systemic and topical antifungal therapy, which can have severe side effects. Light therapy, including laser and photodynamic therapy (PDT), has emerged as a promising alternative with fewer side effects and potentially greater efficacy.

Mechanisms of action

  • Laser therapy: Various laser systems have been investigated, such as neodymium doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) and intense pulsed light (IPL). These lasers work by photothermal and photoablative actions, targeting fungal cells without damaging surrounding tissues. 2 5 6.
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT): PDT involves the use of a photosensitizer activated by light in the presence of oxygen, producing reactive oxygen species that inactivate fungi and bacteria. This method has shown efficacy in reducing fungal viability and achieving clinical and microbiological cure.

Efficacy and safety

  • Clinical results: Light therapy cure rates are comparable to or better than traditional antifungal treatment, often in a shorter time and with fewer side effects. Studies have shown significant reductions in fungal cell viability and high clinical and microbiological cure rates. 1 3 5 9.
  • Combination treatment: Combining PDT with oral or topical antifungals can increase treatment efficacy, shorten the duration of antifungal therapy, and reduce adverse effects. This approach has shown higher cure rates than monotherapy. 3.

Types of light therapy

Various laser systems have been used to treat onychomycosis, including Nd:YAG, 870/930 nm combination, and femtosecond infrared lasers. These systems are minimally invasive and can restore clear nail growth in relatively few sessions. 2 6

PDT using photosensitizers such as methylaminolevulinate (MAL) and light sources such as red-light LED lamps has shown promising results in clinical settings. 3 4

Infrared therapy has also been studied and has shown effectiveness in many patients, especially for toenail infections. 9

What does the future hold?

Challenges and future directions

Device development

The ongoing development of portable and cost-effective light therapy devices aims to improve accessibility and ease of use, which may increase the adoption of these treatments in clinical practice.

FDA approval

The ongoing development of portable and cost-effective light therapy devices aims to improve accessibility and ease of use, which may increase the adoption of these treatments in clinical practice.

Conclusions

Light therapy, including laser and photodynamic therapy, is a promising alternative to traditional antifungal treatments for onychomycosis. These therapies offer effective, minimally invasive options with fewer side effects and shorter treatment times. Continued research and development are necessary to standardize protocols and achieve wider clinical acceptance.

Choose your device

  1. J. Houang et al. 2017. Light treatments of nail fungal infections. Journal of Biophotonics.
  2. J. Ledon et al. 2014. Laser and light therapy for onychomycosis: a systematic review. Lasers in Medical Science.
  3. A. Navarro-Bielsa et al. 2022. Combination of Photodynamic Therapy and Oral Antifungals for the Treatment of Onychomycosis. Pharmaceuticals.
  4. Ana Paula Silva et al.2015 Development and comparison of two devices for treatment of onychomycosis by photodynamic therapy. Journal of Biomedical Optics.
  5. T. Vila et al. 2015. A new model of in vitro fungal biofilms formed on human nail fragments allows reliable testing of laser and light therapies against onychomycosis. Lasers in Medical Science.h.
  6. A. Ortiz et al. 2014. A review of lasers and light for the treatment of onychomycosis. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine.
  7. Aditya K. Gupta et al. 2021. Efficacy of lasers for the management of dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis. Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association.
  8. Sheng Lu et al. 2012. Application of light therapy in onychomycosis. International Journal of Dermatology and Venereology.
  9. Rabia A Ghafoor Sadal et al. 2023. The Efficacy of Infrared Light Therapy in the Treatment of Onychomycosis. Pakistan Armed Forces Medical Journal.
  10. JC Amorim et al. 2012. Phototoxic action of light emitting diode in the in vitro viability of Trichophyton rubrum. Anais brasileiros de dermatology.

Light therapy devices KTS for nail fungus

KTS – a world leader in laser treatment of nail fungus
KTS – is an innovative brand operating since 2001, a world leader in the development and production of nail fungus lasers based on light therapy. KTS also develops other advanced laser and red light therapy solutions for home use to reduce inflammation, accelerate wound healing, rejuvenate the skin and improve overall wellness.

The main advantages of KTS are: FDA-approved technology, strong research base and modern production. This has allowed us to earn the trust of more than 10 million users worldwide. KTS operates in more than 200 countries and strives to make high-quality, effective physiotherapy available in every home.

Achievements and recognition

  • Innovation leader: KTS has become a recognized leader in the field of laser phototherapy over the past two decades. The company introduced its technology in Japan in 2005 and in the US market in 2008 (after receiving FDA approval), establishing its name in the international market. KTS is considered one of the leading light therapy brands in the world, as it constantly introduces innovative solutions to improve health.
  • Millions of satisfied users: The products created by this company have earned enormous trust – they are already used by more than 10 million users worldwide. Positive feedback and customer experience show that KTS devices really help solve health problems, restore people's self-confidence and quality of life.
  • Quality and safety: KTS devices meet strict medical standards – some of them are FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved, certified and clinically tested. Due to the high quality of lasers and efficiency, KTS devices have also earned the recognition of specialists - they are recommended by dermatologists as a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatment.

You can purchase certified KTS light therapy devices in two ways: