@Article{Kuros2026,
journal="Medical Studies/Studia Medyczne",
issn="1899-1874",
year="2026",
title="Evaluation of the effectiveness of combined podiatric therapy using
essential oils in the topical treatment of toenail onychomycosis",
abstract="Introduction: Mycotic infections are difficult to treat and often require long-term therapeutic regimens. Many authors believe  that topical therapy is at the forefront of nail disease treatment because of fewer side effects than combined therapy.  Aim of the research: The present study evaluated the efficacy of podiatric therapy using a blend of essential oils for the treatment  of toenail onychomycosis and the quality of life of patients.  Material and methods: A randomised evaluation of the effectiveness of therapy on 40 patients with onychomycosis confirmed  by mycological examination was conducted in a podiatry office. The participants were randomly assigned to groups I  (experimental) and II (control). After cleaning the pathologically affected fragments of the nail plate, the patients in group  I received topical serum with essential oils twice a day.  Results: A significant difference was observed in the effectiveness of the therapy after 5–6 months. Healthy nail growth was  observed in 45.0% (n = 9) of Group I patients after 3–4 months of essential oil therapy. In Group II, the corresponding proportions  increased over time but were lower than those in Group I at each follow-up visit (20.0%, n = 4). Quality of life scores  increased from 2.00 to 5.50 (median) on a scale of 1 to 7 in Group I, and from 2.20 ±0.95 to 4.00 ±1.30 on a scale of 1 to 7 in  Group II, respectively. Podiatric therapy improved nail appearance.  Conclusions: The use of essential oil-based serum in combination with nail milling constitutes a suitable topical treatment  strategy and can be a safe additional therapy.",
author="Kuros, Faustyna
and Wcisło-Dziadecka, Dominika L.",
doi="10.5114/ms.2026.158798",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.5114/ms.2026.158798"
}