Photodynamic Therapy For Nail Fungus Now Available At Metropolitan Dermatology

Online, February 13, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Dr. Alexander Doctoroff and the staff of Metropolitan Dermatology are happy to announce the availability of a novel treatment for nail fungus (onychomycosis): photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is a combination of topical medication and light therapy.

Photodynamic therapy with the medication Levulan® is a relatively new and exciting development in dermatology. It is used for various skin conditions ranging from acne to pre-cancerous and cancerous growths. It is also used to rejuvenate facial skin. Photodynamic therapy has been extensively used at Metropolitan Dermatology since March 2010. And now with the latest research on PDT use for toe nail fungus now available, Metropolitan Dermatology is making this significant advance available to our patients. To our knowledge, Metropolitan Dermatology is the first dermatology practice in New Jersey to offer PDT for the treatment of nail fungus.

Currently, the most commonly used treatments for toe nail fungus are oral medications and various topical antifungals. While effective, the oral pills may have significant side effects on the liver. Topical antifungals lack efficacy and have to be used for a long time (6 months to a year) to achieve improvement. When they are discontinued, the condition often returns. In contrast, photodynamic therapy provides effective therapy for fungus without the potential liver side effects of oral medications.
The procedure starts with the application of a urea gel to the toenails for 10 days. This thins the nails and makes them more amenable for treatment. Thereafter, Levulan® Kerastick® (20% solution of Aminolevulinic Acid), a clear and painless liquid, is applied to the nails. After several hours, the area is exposed to the light with a wavelength of 411nm. The light activates Levulan® to destroy the fungus. Several treatments are usually needed for optimal results.

In addition, PDT is FDA-approved for the treatment of actinic keratoses (pre-cancerous growths). It is very effective and usually produces no scarring. That contrasts with the traditional liquid nitrogen treatment known to result in white discoloration.

PDT is also effective for acne treatment. The advantage of PDT for acne is the chance to avoid oral antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and isotretinoin.

Sun damage, fine lines, and blotchy pigmentation are also improved with PDT because of the positive effect of Levulan® and the light treatment. The advantage of PDT for cosmetic treatments is that it is one of the least expensive rejuvenation options available.