Abstract: The present invention presents devices, kits, systems and methods that can be used to otitis externa. For example, a method of present invention includes applying a photosensitizing composition to treatment site within ear cavity where microbes causing otitis externa are located; inserting at least a portion of a light delivery device into the cavity; and applying light to the treatment site at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizing composition so as to inhibit or eliminate the microbes and/or to reduce inflammation at the treatment site but without causing physiological damage to host tissue within the ear cavity; wherein the light is delivered by the light delivery device to the treatment site and the light delivery device is in light communication with a light source via a waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for treating fungal infections, particularly onychomycosis. The method includes: applying a composition includes a photosensitizer, an effective amount of antifungal agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery system to a locus and irradiating the locus with a light source at a wavelength absorbed by the photosensitizer so as to destroy microbes at the locus. The present invention also includes a light delivery device for use in photodynamic treatment of onychomycosis comprising (i) a housing adapted to cover a nail beneath which a locus is situated; (ii) a light source; (iii) an energy source in power communication to the light source; and a controller that controls amount of light to be applied to the locus by the light source.

Abstract: The present invention includes a composition for treating fungal infections, particularly onychomycosis. The composition includes a photosensitizer, an effective amount of antifungal agent, and a pharmaceutically acceptable delivery system.

Abstract: A composition for photodisinfection of the oral cavity comprising toothpaste and a photosensitizing composition encapsulated within microspheres, wherein the microspheres release the photosensitizing composition into the oral cavity upon contact with liquid and/or force and the photosensitizing composition includes a photosensitizer that upon irradiation of at least one predetermined wavelength will reduce and/or eliminate microbes in the oral cavity. The present invention also includes a method of applying the composition into the oral cavity and applying irradiation to the oral cavity at a wavelength or wavelengths absorbed by the photosensitizing composition so as to reduce or eliminate microbes in the oral cavity.

Abstract: The invention described here is an improved fiber optic probe and methods of making such fiber optic probe. The tip of the probe is made from a transparent fill material that is connected to the end of a conventional optical fiber. The optical fiber is tapered, the fill material is connected thereto, and typically extends outwardly from the fiber as though it is a continuous part of the fiber. The outer diameter of the fill material is preferably essentially the same as the optical fiber. The fill material may contain light-scattering elements that disperse light as it exits the fiber.