PRINCIPLES OF TREATING ONYCHOMYCOSIS USING CO₂ LASER THERAPY

Onychomycosis is one of the most common fungal infections affecting the nail apparatus and accounts for approximately 50% of all nail disorders. Conventional treatment methods, including systemic and topical antifungal agents, often require prolonged treatment durations and may be associated with adverse effects and high recurrence rates. Recent advances in laser technology have introduced carbon dioxide (CO₂) laser therapy as an alternative or adjunctive treatment modality. CO₂ laser treatment enhances antifungal efficacy through selective photothermal destruction of infected nail tissues and improvement of drug penetration. This article reviews the principles, mechanisms, clinical efficacy, advantages, and limitations of CO₂ laser therapy in the management of onychomycosis.