Fungal Infection Therapy with Low Level Laser

Abstract

Methods for treating fungal infections of the hand or foot use applications of low level laser energy to the infected area to inhibit fungal growth. A laser device is used to produce one or more low-level laser beams, typically in the range of 400-800 nm emanated at a power of less than 1 watt. The laser light is scanned across the infected area for a predetermined duration. Preferably, the duration is between about 10 and 30 minutes, so that at least 0.5 joules of laser energy is applied. Preferably, about 10 joules of laser energy is applied. The application may be repeated, and is preferably repeated once, about five weeks after the first application. A topical medication, such as an antifungal cream, may be used in conjunction with the laser light to speed up fungal removal.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit and is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Pat. App. Ser. No. 61 / 314,957, filed Mar. 17, 2010, and this application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. App. Ser. No. 13 / 039,930, filed Mar. 3, 2011, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 409,408, filed Apr. 20, 2006, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 976,581, filed Oct. 29, 2004, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 772,738, filed Feb. 4, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,118,588, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 932,907 filed Aug. 20, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,473, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 273,282 filed Mar. 2, 2001, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]This invention relates generally to therapies with a laser device. More particular...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a method of treating OM using a laser device that can apply different wavelengths of laser light to the affected area of a patient's body. The device can be a portable and compact laser device that the patient can use at home. The laser energy is scanned across the infected area and may be applied for a few minutes to a few hours. The treatment can be repeated on another infected appendage if desired. After the treatment, a topical anti-fungal medication may be applied for several weeks to prevent re-infection. The technical effect of the invention is a non-invasive and effective treatment for OM that can be easily performed at home."

Problems solved by technology

OM can become very unsightly and may produce pain, discomfort, and disfigurement, all of which can lead to physical and occupational limitations.

A disorder such as OM may have a detrimental effect on an individual's quality of life, affecting his psychosocial and emotional well-being.

However, the rate of success remains low, the rate of recurrence remains high, and the costs and risks involved may be steep for some patients.

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