Anti-Fungal

PDT and SPDT benefits extend even to the effective treatment of fungal infections.

Dermatophytes are fungi that can cause infections (known as tinea) of the skin, hair and nails because of their ability to use keratin. Superficial mycoses (fungus infections) are probably the most prevalent of infectious diseases worldwide. One of the most distinct limitations of the current therapeutic options is the recurrence of the infection and duration of treatment. Study show that the common fungus Trichophyton rubrum in the lab is susceptible to photodynamic treatment (PDT), a completely new application in this area. T. rubrum can be effectively killed with the use of the light-activated porphyrins sensitizers.

Candida Albicans can cause opportunistic infections ranging from superficial mucous membrane lesions to life-threatening diseases. Again studies show effective treatment against Canida.

The recurring theme in reviewing these studies if the statement: "At present, no antifungal treatment based on PDT has been licensed. However, antifungal PDT is emerging as an area of interest for research."

It appears the endless cycle of 'research' has become an end to itself without the goal of bringing these safe and effective therapies into use for the common good. Many of these therapies would lend themselves to home use and are 'user-friendly'. Some might wonder if the lack of regulatory approval is the result of overly strict and expensive testing and is a method of maintaining the status quo of older anti-fungal medication which can be both toxic and expensive as well as poorly effective in the case of fungal treatments.