Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a common problem, and it becomes even more common as we age. In fact, approximately half of all nail abnormalities are caused by fungal infections.
Traditional treatments for toenail fungus can take a long time to work, and they can also come with some unpleasant side effects. That’s why there’s a growing interest in non-invasive treatments like red light therapy.
Some people are wondering if infrared light can kill toenail fungus. The hope is that this type of therapy could be a faster, easier, and less risky way to get rid of these stubborn infections.
This article will explore the evidence behind using infrared light to treat toenail fungus. We’ll look at what the research says about whether it works and what the potential benefits and drawbacks might be.
Understanding toenail fungus (onychomycosis)
Toenail fungus is an infection of the nail, also known as onychomycosis. This infection causes the toenail to turn yellow or brown, thicken, and pull away from the nail bed.
Toenail fungus isn’t just unsightly. It can spread to other nails or even other people. And it almost never goes away on its own.
Types of onychomycosis
There are a few different kinds of toenail fungus, including:
- Subungual onychomycosis. This is the most common type.
- White superficial onychomycosis. This type affects the surface of the nail.
- Candidal onychomycosis. This type is more common in people who have weakened immune systems.
Causes and risk factors
Most of the time, toenail infections are caused by organisms called dermatophytes, but other fungi, such as fusarium, acremonium, and candida, can also cause onychomycosis.
You’re more likely to get toenail fungus if you:
- are older
- have athlete’s foot
- don’t practice good hygiene
- have injured your nail
Limitations of conventional treatments
Before we dive into infrared light, let’s examine the traditional ways to treat toenail fungus. The most common options are:
- Topical creams and polishes
- Oral antifungal medications
- Laser therapy
Unfortunately, these treatments often come with drawbacks. For starters, you’re looking at a lengthy treatment process, often spanning months or even years. Oral medications, while sometimes effective, can also have unwanted side effects. Even after successfully completing a treatment, the fungus can return. Finally, the cost of these treatments can add up.
How does red light therapy work?
Red light therapy involves placing the affected area under a lamp or other device that emits specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, though blue light therapy is another treatment option for fungal infections. These wavelengths are different from the ultraviolet (UV) light that can cause sunburn.
A specific type of red light therapy is called Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy, or PACT.
PACT: A one-two punch for fungal infections
PACT involves two steps. First, the treatment area is treated with photosensitizing drugs. These drugs make the fungal cells more sensitive to light.
Next, the area is exposed to red light. When the red light hits the photosensitizing drug, it creates free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage and kill the fungal cells.
How red light works at the cellular level
Red light doesn’t just kill fungus. It also changes how your cells behave.
- Stimulates ATP production: Red light has been shown to stimulate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the mitochondria. ATP is like the fuel that powers our cells. Research by Andrei Sommer showed that red light could increase ATP production, giving cells more energy to repair and regenerate.
- Improves circulation: Red light can also improve blood flow by encouraging endothelial cells to produce nitric oxide. Nitric oxide helps blood vessels relax and widen, improving circulation to the area.
- Reduces inflammation: Michael Hamblin’s work has shown that red light therapy can reduce inflammation. By reducing inflammation, red light therapy may help create a better environment for healing.
- Promotes collagen and keratin production: Red light can also boost the production of collagen and keratin, two proteins essential for healthy nails. By promoting collagen and keratin production, red light therapy may help the damaged nail regrow stronger and healthier.
Scientists believe that red light therapy can increase the rate of healing for many types of skin and tissue damage.
Research and Evidence on Red Light Therapy for Toenail Fungus
The research into red light therapy for toenail fungus is still pretty new, but there are some interesting studies out there. For example, a 2004 study looked at interdigital mycosis (that’s athlete’s foot, a fungal infection between your toes). The researchers found that some patients recovered after red light therapy treatments.
The problem is that there aren’t a lot of studies specifically on humans who have toenail fungus. But it’s promising, and researchers at Queen’s University Belfast noted the potential of photodynamic therapy (that’s what they sometimes call light therapies) for treating fungal infections.
When researchers have studied the effects of red light therapy, they’ve found that wavelengths in the range of 660nm to 850nm seem to be the most effective. More research is needed to figure out the best way to use red light therapy to treat toenail fungus—how often to do it, how long each session should last, and what intensity of light works best.
In the meantime, studies show that red light therapy can impact cellular function. For example, it can:
- Stimulate ATP production (that’s like giving your cells more energy)
- Promote endothelial cell production (these cells are important for blood vessel growth and repair)
- Reduce inflammation
These cellular-level effects could potentially help fight toenail fungus. Again, we need more research to fully understand if and how red light therapy can treat fungal infections of the nail.
Comparing red light therapy to other treatments
When considering treatments for toenail fungus, red light therapy has several advantages.
- It’s non-invasive, so you don’t have to worry about needles or surgery.
- It’s considered a very safe treatment, especially when compared to oral medications that can have significant side effects.
- And you can do it at home!
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider, too:
- It may take multiple treatment sessions to see results.
- How well it works depends on how severe the infection is.
- If you’re on any medications that make you sensitive to light, you’ll need to be monitored by a doctor.
Finally, consider the cost. Red light therapy devices can be a bit pricey upfront. But if they work, you’ll save money in the long run by avoiding prescription costs and doctor visits.
Using red light therapy at home
If you want to try red light therapy for toenail fungus, you don’t have to go to a salon or clinic. You can do it at home.
Choosing a red light therapy device
Red light therapy devices come in a few different forms, such as LED panels and handheld devices. Some devices are better for treating certain areas than others. For example, the HG24 is designed for targeted applications. And the Pro1500 is made for full-body coverage.
It’s also important to choose a device with the right wavelengths. Wavelengths between 600nm and 800nm are useful for skin surface problems, while those between 800nm and 1000nm can penetrate more deeply into the tissues.
Treatment protocol
Most manufacturers recommend treatment sessions of 10 to 15 minutes per day. But your needs may vary, so you may have to experiment to find the right frequency and duration for you.
To get the most from your red light therapy sessions:
- Keep your feet bare during treatment.
- Treat your feet after showering, when they’re clean.
- Treat your feet on a regular schedule. Don’t skip days.
Safety precautions
Talk with a healthcare professional before you start red light therapy.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your device.
Protect your eyes from direct exposure to the light if the manufacturer recommends it.
Preventing toenail fungus
While infrared light therapy might help, the best way to deal with toenail fungus is to prevent it in the first place. Luckily, there are many things you can do to keep your toes healthy and fungus-free. Here are some tips:
- Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between your toes. This is where fungus loves to grow.
- Wear breathable shoes and socks. Trapped moisture is a fungus’s best friend.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like locker rooms and pool decks. These places are breeding grounds for fungus.
- Trim your toenails short and straight. This helps prevent injuries where fungus can enter.
- Disinfect your shower and bath areas regularly. This kills any lingering fungus spores.
- Rotate your shoes to allow them to dry completely between wearings.
- Consider wearing silver-impregnated socks. Silver has antifungal properties.
By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing toenail fungus and keep your feet healthy and happy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What not to do with toenail fungus?
First off, don’t ignore it! Toenail fungus rarely goes away on its own and can worsen over time. Avoid sharing nail clippers or files, as this spreads the fungus. And please, don’t try to aggressively file down the nail – you could injure yourself and create an opening for further infection. Resist picking at the nail, as this can also make things worse.
Does Dr. Scholl’s fungus light work?
Dr. Scholl’s and similar at-home light therapy devices use low-level light. While some users report improvement, the effectiveness of these devices is a bit of a mixed bag, and clinical evidence supporting their widespread success is limited. Results can vary from person to person, and it’s often more effective when combined with other treatments.
What kills toe fungus permanently?
Unfortunately, “permanently” is a strong word when it comes to toenail fungus. Even with treatment, recurrence is possible. Oral antifungal medications, prescribed by a doctor, offer the best chance of complete eradication, but they come with potential side effects. Topical treatments are less effective but have fewer side effects. Laser therapy is another option, but its long-term success rate is still being studied, with many wondering if home nail fungus lasers are worth the money.
How do I get rid of toenail fungus ASAP?
There’s no magic bullet for a fast cure. Even the most effective treatments take time, as they need to kill the fungus and allow healthy nail to grow in. Oral antifungal medications usually take several weeks or months to show results. Consult your doctor for the most appropriate and potentially fastest treatment option for your specific case.
What kind of light kills toenail fungus?
While research is ongoing, certain wavelengths of light, particularly specific types of laser light, have shown promise in treating toenail fungus. These lasers target the fungus directly without damaging surrounding tissue. The type of light used in at-home devices like Dr. Scholl’s is different and generally less powerful than the lasers used in a clinical setting.
Closing Thoughts
Red light therapy could be a useful tool for treating toenail fungus. It’s non-invasive, comes with fewer side effects than oral medications, and can potentially be done at home.
However, more research is needed before we can say definitively how effective red light therapy is for onychomycosis and what the best treatment plans should look like. Right now, it seems that red light therapy could be a helpful addition to the options we have for treating nail fungus.
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, talk to a doctor about finding effective treatment. They can help you figure out if red light therapy is right for you and how it might fit into a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Remember, treating toenail fungus often requires a multi-faceted approach, including good hygiene practices, topical or oral medications, and potentially red light therapy. By combining different strategies, you can increase your chances of getting rid of the infection and keeping your nails healthy.