A new treatment for unsightly nail fungus may be available soon. It’s called Noveon, and manufacturer Nomir Medical Technologies is working on getting it approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Noveon is a specific type of laser that directs near-infrared light of two different wavelengths at the target. In this case, the target is nail fungus, or onychomycosis as it is called in the medical community.
Small clinical trials of Noveon show promising results. About half of the 39 toenails tested with Noveon showed no active nail infection after four treatments with the laser. Clear nail growth was seen in 76% of the volunteers, six months after the initial treatment.
Noveon is currently marketed for use in dental procedures, cataracts surgery, and laser-hair removal. Approval by the FDA for use in treatment of onychomycosis will allow Nomir Medical Technologies to market the product for fungal nail infections.
Current treatments for fungal nail infections include various types of topical creams and lacquers, as well as oral antifungal pills. However, these treatment options are usually expensive, and don’t always clear up onychomycosis completely. They can also take a very long time to show improvement, sometimes up to two years. Inclusion of laser treatment would give patients another option in treatment - possibly a much more effective one. The use of the Noveon laser works by breaking up and destroying the nail fungus, while retaining healthy tissue.
Fungal nail infections are easily spread through contact. They are often transmitted between people walking barefoot in public locker rooms or on carpeting. One of the best ways to prevent a fungal nail infection is to make sure to wear flip-flops or shower sandals in locker rooms, showers, and pools. These are areas that usually stay wet for a long time, and can be the perfect environment for nail fungus to spread.
Though they can be cosmetically unsightly, fungal nail infections are usually not a serious health condition, unless you have diabetes or are otherwise prone to infections. Onychomycosis is typically just an external infection, starting at the free edge of the nail, and working its way underneath.
With the positive preliminary findings of Noveon in the treatment of fungal nail infections, we may be seeing this treatment more often in the future. If you or someone you know have a fungal nail infection, and are thinking about treatment, talk to your podiatrist or primary doctor about different options. Laser treatment just might be in your future!
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