Apparatus and method for the treatment of infectious disease in keratinized tissue

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for the treatment of keratinized tissue infected with a pathogen are provided. In certain examples, electromagnetic energy, such as microwave energy, may be used in the treatment process to reduce the amount of or eliminate the pathogen from the keratinized tissue.

1 - 48 . (canceled)  
   
   
       49 . A method for the prevention or treatment of a skin or nail infection comprising applying electromagnetic energy to skin or a nail to reduce or prevent growth of a microbe causing the skin or nail infection.  
   
   
       50 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the microbe is selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi.  
   
   
       51 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the electromagnetic energy has a wavelength greater than 400 nm.  
   
   
       52 . The method of  claim 49 , further comprising applying a chemical to the skin or nail.  
   
   
       53 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein application of the electromagnetic energy results in heating of the skin or nail.  
   
   
       54 . A method for the prevention or treatment of a skin or nail infection comprising drying skin or nail by application of electromagnetic energy to reduce or prevent growth of a microbe causing the skin or nail infection.  
   
   
       55 . The method of  claim 54 , wherein the microbe is selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi.  
   
   
       56 . The method of  claim 54 , wherein the electromagnetic energy has a wavelength greater than 400 nm.  
   
   
       57 . The method of  claim 54 , further comprising applying a chemical to the skin or nail.  
   
   
       58 . The method of  claim 54 , wherein application of the electromagnetic energy results in heating of the skin or nail.  
   
   
       59 . A method for the prevention or treatment of a skin or nail infection comprising altering skin or a nail by application of electromagnetic energy to reduce or prevent growth of a microbe causing the skin or nail infection.  
   
   
       60 . The method of  claim 59 , wherein the microbe is selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi.  
   
   
       61 . The method of  claim 59 , wherein the electromagnetic energy has a wavelength greater than 400 nm.  
   
   
       62 . The method of  claim 59 , further comprising applying a chemical to the skin or nail.  
   
   
       63 . The method of  claim 59 , wherein application of the electromagnetic energy results in heating of the skin or nail.  
   
   
       64 . A method for the prevention or treatment of a skin or nail infection comprising heating skin or a nail using electromagnetic energy to reduce or prevent growth of a microbe causing the skin or nail infection.  
   
   
       65 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein the microbe is selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi.  
   
   
       66 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein the electromagnetic energy has a wavelength greater than 400 nm.  
   
   
       67 . The method of  claim 64 , further comprising applying a chemical to the skin or nail.  
   
   
       68 . The method of  claim 64 , wherein application of the electromagnetic energy results in heating of the nail.  
   
   
       69 . A method for the prevention or treatment of a skin or nail infection comprising applying electromagnetic energy to skin or a nail.  
   
   
       70 . The method of  claim 69 , wherein the infection is caused by a microbe selected from the group consisting of bacteria and fungi.  
   
   
       71 . The method of  claim 69 , wherein the electromagnetic energy has a wavelength greater than 400 nm.  
   
   
       72 . The method of  claim 69 , further comprising applying a chemical to the skin or nail.  
   
   
       73 . The method of  claim 69 , wherein application of the electromagnetic energy results in heating of the skin or nail.