[Onychomycosis. Successful treatment with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG-Laser].

A 58-year-old man presented with a two-year history of progressive onychodystrophy of the nails of both great toes. Clinical inspection as well as KOH examination and culture confirmed the diagnosis of disto-lateral onychomycosis of both nails caused by Trichophyton rubrum). The diseased nail materially was mechanically débrided. In addition both nails were treated with a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser (spot-diameter: 5 mm; pulse-width: 0.3 ms; fluence: 12 J/cm(2); frequency: 5 Hz; impulses: 200 per toenail). The laser therapy was repeated four times at intervals of 2 months. Seven months later the patient showed complete clearance of both nails. We here demonstrate the efficacy of the Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of onychomycosis. Non-ablative laser therapy may present a promising, effective, well-tolerated and cost-efficient option for the treatment of onychomycosis. Controlled studies with relevant patient collectives are urgently needed.