Korean J Dermatol.  2019 Dec;57(10):587-593.

COâ‚‚ Fractional Laser and Topical Therapy on Pincer Nails

• Kim YE
• Jo UH
• Park H

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Pincer nail is a deformity of the nail that is characterized by the transverse overcurvature of the nail plate. Both conservative and surgical treatments can be used to treat pincer nail. However, there are no reports regarding non-surgical, laser treatment of pincer nail.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the treatment outcomes and adverse events of COâ‚‚ fractional laser and topical agent combination therapy on pincer nail.
METHODS
Eleven pincer nails (all great toenails) were treated with a COâ‚‚ fractional laser. An antifungal agent (in case of co-existing onychomycosis) or 20% urea cream was applied to the toenails. The effect of the treatment was measured by evaluating the difference in the width index, height index, and nail angle before and after treatment. Changes in pain levels were also evaluated. All adverse events and recurrences were observed until the last follow-up visit.
RESULTS
The mean number of laser treatments was 2.27 and the mean follow-up period was 18.36 weeks after the last treatment. All 3 measured indices changed significantly after the treatment. The width index increased by 0.16 (p=0.0016), the height index decreased by 1.89 (p=0.008), and the nail angle increased by 29.60° (p=0.005). The pain was reduced in all cases. There were no serious adverse events.
CONCLUSION
The combination of COâ‚‚ fractional laser therapy and topical application is an effective and tolerable treatment for pincer nail. Larger studies with long-term observations are needed to confirm this result.

Keyword

COâ‚‚ lasers; Fractional laser; Ingrown nail; Nail disease; Pincer nail

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities
Follow-Up Studies
Laser Therapy
Nail Diseases
Nails
Nails, Ingrown
Recurrence
Urea
Urea