The Efficacy of Infrared Light Therapy in the Treatment of Onychomycosis

Abstract

Objective: To study the efficacy of Infrared light therapy in treating Onychomycosis.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Dermatology, Combined Military Hospital, Bahawalpur Pakistan, from Jan to Jul 2022.

Methodology: A total of 122 patients of either gender with Onychomycosis were included in the study. Sessions with infrared light (24W Red Bulb, 660nm-850nm wavelength) were arranged once a week. The total duration of therapy consisted of four weeks in the case of fingernails and eight weeks in the case of toenails. Patients were called for follow-up at the end of the first, second, and third months after completion of treatment for efficacy evaluation.

Results: The mean duration of complaints was 9.12±2.58 weeks, and the mean weight of patients was 84.11±8.38Kg. Male patients were 36(29.5%), and females were 86(70.5%). 98(80.3%) patients had toenail involvement, and 24(19.7%) patients had fingernail involvement. Efficacy was defined as 2/3rd (66.0%) clearance of the nail plate after 90 days of completion of treatment from the first observation at the time of presentation on visual examination. Efficacy in our study was observed in 25(20.5%) patients.

Conclusion: Our study concluded that infrared light therapy is an effective treatment modality for Onychomycosis.