(Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of Fractional CO2 laser combined with topical antifungal in the treatment of onychomycosis using SCIO (Score clinical index of onychomycosis)

Abstract

Onychomycosis is a chronic fungal infection of the nail and may involve the nail bed, the nail plate, and the matrix. It is difficult to be treated. Relapses and reinfections are common. The diagnosis can be made only when both positive laboratory and clinical criteria are present. Onychomycosis can be caused by dermatophytes or non dermatophyte moulds. Onychomycosis can also be caused by more than 1 organism, for example, a non dermatophyte mould in addition to a dermatophyte. Clinical signs of onychomycosis include nail discoloration, hyperkeratosis, and onycholysis Onychomycosis frequently presents as distal-lateral subungual onychomycosis (DLSO), with fungi entering the nail through the distal and/or lateral sides of the nail plate.