Can a beam of light banish toenail fungus?

NCT ID NCT07756671

First seen Aug 11, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether photodynamic therapy (PDT) can clear toenail fungus. People with a confirmed fungal nail infection will have a special gel applied to the affected nail, then exposed to red light. The study will check if the nail looks healthy and if the fungus is gone at several follow-up points over a year.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
Photodynamic therapy using aminolevulinic acid (ALA) 10% gel and red light, with urea pretreatment
What this could lead to
If successful, this could offer a non-drug, light-based option for clearing toenail fungus, potentially helping people who can't take oral antifungals.
What could go wrong
This is a very small early-phase trial (5 people), so results may not apply broadly. The treatment may not fully clear the infection, and side effects like skin reactions are possible.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Arlington Center for Dermatology

    Arlington, Texas, 76011, United States

  • Houston Skin

    Houston, Texas, 77004, United States

  • Houston Skin

    Webster, Texas, 77598, United States

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