[Finger onychomycosis due to Candida tropicalis: short-pulsed Nd:YAG laser therapy].

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for onychomycosis are numerous but of limited efficacy, potentially dangerous and/or relatively restrictive. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We describe the first case of Candida tropicalis onychomycosis resistant to standard topical treatments successfully treated with four sessions of Nd:YAG laser in Short Pulse mode. The efficacy of treatment was verified at 3 months via a negative control sample and was maintained for at least 6 months. DISCUSSION: Nd:YAG laser is a versatile type of laser widely used in dermatology. Its mode of action in the treatment of onychomycosis may consist of a thermal effect that is non-specific but differentiates between healthy nail and diseased nail, which respond differently to impact. The main interest of this case is in helping to pave the way for a new type of treatment for onychomycosis.