Korean J Med Mycol.
2010 Mar;15(1):12-17.
The Effect of Full Spectrum Light Phototherapy for Patients with Tinea pedis
- Affiliations
-
- 1Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. beomjoon@unitel.co.kr
Abstract
- BACKGROUND
Tinea pedis is the most common dermatophytosis which is usually treated by antifungal agent. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in potential phototherapy for the local treatment of bacterial and fungal infection.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of full spectrum light (F.S.L) phototherapy for patients with tinea pedis.
METHODS
Lesions were irradiated for 20 minutes, 2 times a week for 4 consecutive weeks with F.S.L. emitting wavelengths from 320 nm to 5000 nm. Clinical symptoms were observed and KOH direct smear and fungal culture were done.
RESULTS
Global assessment score was improved after the application of eight sessions of F.S.L phototherapy. 18% of total patient were cleared, 45.4% a marked improvement, 27.3% a mild improvement and 9.1% of patients had no effect. And the fungal exams, KOH direct smear and culture, were conversion to negative in 7 out of 11 patients. Significant adverse effects were not observed.
CONCLUSION
F.S.L phototherapy might be another treatment option for the tinea pedis patients.
