In vitro study: Cold plasma as an application booster

Traditional treatments for nail fungus often reach their limits, particularly in older people or patients with multiple pre-existing conditions. This is where cold plasma therapy comes in: an innovative, physical approach that can be easily integrated into everyday practice.

Nail fungus is more widespread than many people realise: according to estimates, 5 to 15 per cent of the population is affected. In people over the age of 60, the risk of nail fungus rises to as much as 20 per cent.

Why conventional treatments often reach their limits

Standard treatment is based on the German S1 guideline and sees a step-by-step approach, depending on the severity and location of the infection:

Light infections: Topical antifungals. These often need to be used consistently for months. The active ingredient penetrates only to a limited extent thanks to the thick nail plate.
Severe infections: Systemic antifungals. Whilst these are effective, they can cause side effects or interactions, especially in older patients taking multiple medications or with pre-existing conditions.

Consequently, there is growing interest in gentle options that can be easily integrated into everyday podiatry practice.

Scientific study on the antifungal effect of cold plasma and peclavus AntiMYX tincture

This scientific study analyses the antifungal effect of cold plasma and the AntiMYX tincture on Trichophyton rubrum under standardised in vitro conditions. The results show a clear distinction between the mechanisms of action: whilst cold plasma brings about a rapid and significant reduction in spores, the AntiMYX tincture delivers sustained inhibition of fungal growth – with the strongest overall effect observed when used in combination. The targeted plasma energy acts as a booster and supports the treatment of nail fungus at the in vitro level.

Download the white paper Buy AntiMYX tincture

The diagram opposite shows the effect of various treatments on mycelial growth (in mm).

Control (no treatment): The mycelium grows most vigorously here – up to 31 mm – demonstrating how fungal infestation spreads when left untreated.
Cold plasma: Significantly reduces growth to around 20 mm, but shows that the mycelium is still continuing to grow.& nbsp;
AntiMYX (significant inhibition): Our AntiMYX tincture further reduces mycelium growth to approx. 15 mm – a significant improvement over cold plasma.
When used in combination: The combination of AntiMYX and cold plasma results in the lowest fungal growth, at only around 10 mm.

Conclusion: The AntiMYX tincture demonstrates a clear and measurable effect: it significantly inhibits mycelial growth and so provides effective protection. When used in combination with other actions, growth can be kept to an absolute minimum.

Test start date: 26 January 2026 | Test end date: 6 March 2026

“Cold atmospheric plasma can help to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms thanks to the local generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and can complement antimicrobial treatment approaches in selected indications.”

Dr Maurice Moelleken, specialist in dermatology and venereology along with being an associate lecturer at the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology at Essen University Hospital.

Webinar (in German)

With Dr Moelleken on the topic
‘The power of cold plasma in treating nail
and skin fungal infections – medical background,
innovative therapeutic approaches and convenient
examples of use’.

Webinar (in German)

With Dr Moelleken on the topic
‘The power of cold plasma in treating nail
and skin fungal infections – medical background,
innovative therapeutic approaches and convenient
examples of use’.

Suitable for use by alternative practitioners specialising in podiatry, or as a complementary treatment for podiatrists and foot care professionals:

Onychomycosis (nail fungus)
Interdigital mycoses (Athlete's Foot)
Rhagades, fissures, nail bed inflammation

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Why use cold plasma in podiatry and foot health?

Cold plasma is a modern, pain-free technology designed to help reduce bacteria on the nails and skin. This physical treatment can support antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal processes – even in hard-to-reach areas. The contactless application is gentle and can support the physiological regeneration processes of the tissue. For podiatrists and alternative practitioners specialising in podiatry, this means: better treatment outcomes, higher patient satisfaction and a clear innovative edge in day-to-day practice.

Did you know?
Not all cold plasma works in the same way

Cold plasma has established itself as a modern method of germ reduction. In practical application, however, it is evident that ROS results often vary. A crucial factor here is the plasma source. The ViroCap utilises the piezoelectric effect and a unique ceramic rod, enabling energy to be transferred to the tissue in a targeted and efficient manner. With diffuser systems, on the other hand, a large proportion of the energy is lost before it reaches the nail. This results in significant energy wastage, minimal effectiveness and treatment outcomes that are difficult to replicate.

More control. Greater efficiency. Greater impact at the target site.

Frequently asked questions and answers

What is the RUCK ViroCap cold plasma used for?

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The RUCK ViroCap cold plasma is a mobile medical device for reducing bacteria, viruses and fungi in dermatological skin conditions by means of cold atmospheric plasma. It is used in combination with the appropriate single-use spacer by medical professionals.

Who is permitted to use the RUCK ViroCap cold plasma?

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The device is intended for professional use. Users are physicians and medical professionals — for example in clinics, doctors' surgeries, podiatric practices, care facilities or in mobile use. Before use, all users must read the instructions for use carefully and familiarise themselves with the device.

Which patients is the application intended for?

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The application is intended for patients with dermatological skin conditions as well as superficial skin and nail disorders in the podiatric field of use. Patients should be at least 12 years of age.

May the RUCK ViroCap cold plasma be used on children?

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Children under 12 years of age must not be treated with the RUCK ViroCap cold plasma. Please refer to the information in the instructions for use.

Which areas should not be treated?

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The treatment area must not overlap with the openings of the mouth, nose or eyes. In particular, avoid treatment around the eyes and around the mouth and nose.

Which fields of application are intended in the podiatric setting?

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In the podiatric setting, the field of application in particular covers the skin of the foot, toes, spaces between the toes, toenail surface, nail fold, nail bed area and the nail itself.

Which application duration can I set?

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The maximum application duration of 20 minutes in total can be set in intervals of 1 or 2 minutes. The active plasma generation is started and stopped with the start/stop button.