A retrospective chart review of the clinical efficacy of Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser for toenail onychomycosis

Cosmetic improvement in nail appearance is a great concern to patients with onychomycosis. Although oral and topical treatments for onychomycosis can potentially eradicate the infection, unsightly nails may remain despite negative mycology. Laser-based devices have been approved for the temporary clearance of nails with onychomycosis, thus providing a means of improving the aesthetic appearance of the nails. A retrospective chart review of patients treated with a Nd:YAG 1064-nm laser and debridement for onychomycosis, and terbinafine 1% cream for associated tinea pedis, between July 2012 and February 2014 was performed to ascertain the proportion of patients who achieved clinical outcomes. A temporary improvement in the appearance of the target nail was observed in 78% of patients and the affected area of the nail plate was reduced by at least 50% from baseline in 46% of patients. It appears that patients whose great toenails are potentially infected with non-dermatophyte molds may particularly benefit from laser therapy. Higher clinical outcome rates were observed with administration of four or more treatments, but additional observations and/or studies are needed to optimize the regimen of laser therapy to improve the cosmetic appearance of infected nails.