Yellow diode laser 577 nm versus neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (Nd:Yag) in treating onychomycosis: A comparative study

Abstract

Background Laser treatment signifies a safe option for managing Onychomycosis precisely in the presence of contraindication for antifungal drug use. Yellow Diode laser 577 nm has proved efficacy for managing different dermatological conditions as; vascular lesions, skin innovation and hair elimination. Nonetheless, it not yet been evaluated for treating Onychomycosis. Aim We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Yellow Diode laser 577 nm in treating Onychomycosis and to compare the result with the use of long-pulsed Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:Yag) 1064 nm laser. Patients and methods Thirty patients diagnosed clinically and mycologically as having Onychomycosis were recruited. The right side of the treated hand was subjected to treatment by Yellow Diode laser 577 nm, while the left side of the treated hand was subjected to treatment by of long-pulsed Nd:Yag 1064 nm laser. All patients received 6 sessions (1 month apart). The results were evaluated clinically using the Onychomycosis Severity Index (OSI), photographically and mycologically. Results Complete recovery in the side treated by Yellow Diode laser 577 nm was observed in 7 (23.3%) patients, while the side treated by long-pulsed Nd:Yag 1064 nm laser showed complete recovery in 4 patients (13.3%), with significant difference between both sides (p value=0.015*). Conclusion Yellow Diode laser 577 nm is an effective safe and well-tolerated treatment option for managing Onychomycosis. It has proved better effectiveness than long-pulsed Nd;Yag 1064 nm laser in treating Onychomycosis.