Nail fungus polish: a review of 11 drugs

A fungal infection of the nail plate responds well to treatment at an early stage, but later, when the fungus spreads and begins to multiply in the internal environment of the body, it becomes difficult to remove it. In a severe case of onchiomycosis, the use of local drugs is not enough, the complex therapy includes systemic antifungal agents. (read also: Onychomycosis – causes and prevention)

Antimycotics or antifungal drugs can enter the body in different ways, one of the most convenient and affordable means used in the early stages is nail polish. This is a modern drug that acts directly on the nail plate affected by the fungus, preventing the infection from spreading deep into the keratin layer. Regular use of this remedy allows you to cure oncomycosis (nail fungus), preventing fungi from multiplying and spreading throughout the body, maintains the integrity and attractive appearance of the nail plate.

The article describes the pros and cons of varnishes from nail fungus, indicating the trade names of the drugs.

The difference between antifungal varnishes and other drugs

Antifungal varnishes, unlike other local antimycotics, are able to penetrate deep into the nail plate, destroying the fungus throughout the entire depth of the keratin layer. That is why after applying the varnish against the fungus, the destruction of the nail plate stops, and the likelihood of a recurrence of the disease is minimal.

The effectiveness of therapeutic varnish for fungal nail infections:

• The liquid texture of the antifungal varnish contributes to its penetration deep into the nail plate through microcracks on its surface, and the drug continues its effect in the deep layers of keratin.

• The active substances that make up the varnish have a destructive effect on the membranes of the cells of infectious agents, and also destroy the enzymes of microorganisms, due to which the nail plate is damaged. Other components – alcohols and oil extracts – dry the nail plate, which disrupts the habitual habitat for fungi.

• After drying, the varnish forms a thin moisture-proof film on the nail, which prevents the penetration of infectious agents inside and does not allow air to pass through, which the fungi need to reproduce.

To increase the effectiveness of a local drug, it is recommended to use varnish from nail fungus as part of a complex treatment, including systemic antimycotics.

Review and comparison of varnishes from nail fungus

Antimycotic nail polishes are a fairly common form of medicines, they are produced by many pharmaceutical companies, both foreign and domestic. Below is a brief comparative description of the most popular nail polishes in the form of a table.

Despite the fact that nail fungus varnish is easy to apply at home and can be purchased at any pharmacy, it is not recommended to do this without first consulting a doctor. An incorrectly chosen drug not only reduces the effectiveness of treatment, but can also lead to a complication of the infection, further spread of the fungus, in which therapy with local drugs will not work. In total, there are about 500 types of fungus, which can act as the causative agent of infection, so you can prescribe a drug by scraping from a dermatologist and microscopic examination.

Oflomil

Lac Oflomil is a powerful antifungal drug that has a fungistatic and fungicidal effect.

Pros

• Due to the liquid structure of the varnish, the active ingredients penetrate well deep into the nail, killing the fungus.

• On the surface of the nail, the varnish forms a protective film. As a result, the fungus loses the ability to multiply and the disease does not progress.

• The process of nail regeneration is accelerated.

• Varnish can be used not only for treatment, but also for the prevention of fungal infections. This is especially true for people who frequently visit places where the risk of infection remains high. For example, a gym, saunas, baths, pools.

• The varnish dries quickly.

• Since the drug is used topically, an overdose is not possible.

• The therapeutic effect after a single application lasts for two weeks.

Cons

• The high cost of Oflomil varnish (from 800 to 1200 rubles).

• The presence of toxic compounds in the varnish, although in small quantities.

• If varnish gets on the skin, the risk of allergic reactions and irritation increases.

The presence of contraindications to the use of the drug, including:

• Pregnancy and lactation;

• The ban on the use of oflomil varnish with other antifungal drugs;

• The impossibility of applying over a medical varnish, decorative varnish;

• Age to 5 years.

Loceril

Loceryl is one of the most popular varnishes for the treatment of nail fungus. It is detrimental to all strains of mycotic organisms.

Pros

• It has a wide spectrum of action, therefore it allows you to get rid of all types of nail fungus.

• Included with the varnish are special discs and nail files for treating the affected nail.

• The drug can not be overdose, it is convenient to apply.

• Fast drying time (5 to 7 minutes).

• Possibility of applying decorative varnish over Loceryl varnish.

• Prolonged therapeutic effect (up to 14 days after a single application).

• The possibility of using varnish for preventive purposes. To do this, it is enough to apply it on the nails once a month.

• The absence of analogues. This is a patented drug and it is impossible to find its 100% analogue.

Cons

• The high price of varnish (from 1700 to 2700 rubles).

• duration of treatment. Therapy should be continued until a healthy nail plate has fully grown. For hands, the full course can reach six months, and for legs – 9 months.

• There may be a burning sensation in the treated areas, as well as when varnish gets on the skin.

The presence of contraindications, including:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding;

• Individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Batrafen

Batrafen is a varnish with a wide spectrum of action. It is effective against more than 50 types of fungi that affect the nail plate.

Pros

• In addition to the antifungal effect, the varnish has an antibacterial effect.

• The liquid form allows the main active substance to penetrate deep into the nail, preventing the growth of fungi.

• There is no need to cover the entire surface of the nail with varnish if a chip has formed somewhere between applications. It is enough to cover only that part of the nail that remained unprotected.

Cons

• Treatment only with the use of Batrafen varnish is possible only in the early stages of the development of the disease. Otherwise, you will need to take systemic drugs. It will also be necessary to take antimycotics inside if the affected area exceeds 2/3 of the nail.

• During treatment, do not cover the nails with decorative varnish.

• You can not get rid of nail fungus with Batrafen varnish if the skin around the nail is damaged or if the matrix is ​​uXNUMXbuXNUMXbdamaged.

• The high cost of varnish (from 1700 rubles and above).

Side effects may develop, including:

• Burning, redness and peeling of the skin around the affected nail;

• Allergic reactions.

Lamisil

Lamisil is a nail polish with high antimycotic activity.

Pros

• It is possible to purchase varnish in various colors, which allows you to maintain the aesthetic appearance of the diseased nail during treatment.

• As part of the package with varnish, you can find alcoholized tampons and nail files, which makes the treatment process very convenient and hygienic.

• Ease of use and storage.

• Almost complete absence of contraindications. Do not use varnish only for the treatment of pregnant and lactating women, as well as children.

Cons

• The varnish will have to be applied at least 2 times a week.

• The course of treatment lasts about six months or more for fingernails and about a year for toenails.

• The high price of the drug.

• The inability to use false nails or cover the nail plate with decorative varnish.

Mycosis

Mycosan is a complex remedy for getting rid of nail fungus.

Pros

• The drug helps to accelerate the growth of the nail plate.

• The drug can be used for preventive purposes, as it forms a film on the surface of the nail that prevents infection.

• The use of Mikozan allows you to narrow the pores of the nail, make it more dense. This has a positive effect on the appearance and condition of the nail plate.

• The drug nourishes the nails, prevents their delamination, eliminates increased fragility.

• Complete with the preparation there are disposable nail files with small and large abrasive, which makes the procedure more convenient and increases its hygiene.

• The drug completely blocks the further spread of the fungus along the nail, which allows you to qualitatively get rid of the disease.

• The drying time of the preparation is reduced to 2 minutes.

• The effect can be felt after a few weeks from the start of using the drug.

• There are almost no contraindications to the use of the drug. You can not use the tool only for the treatment of children under 4 years of age.

• The drug does not provoke the development of allergic reactions.

• Mikozan is absolutely invisible on the surface of the nail.

Cons

• The only drawback of the drug is its relatively high cost (from 800 to 1200 rubles).

Mizol gel

Mizol gel is a drug for the treatment of nail fungus based on Naftifin.

Pros

• The drug has not only antifungal, but also antibacterial and antiseptic effects.

• An invisible film remains on the surface of the nail, which prevents the penetration of the fungus into the plate from the outside.

• The drug dries quickly, does not stick and does not get dirty.

• The set includes disposable nail files, which makes the treatment process hygienic.

• The gel is easy to apply.

• The price of the drug is not high (about 500 rubles).

• The drug helps not only to eliminate the fungus, but also improves the condition of the nails.

Cons

• Mizol gel refers to cosmetics, not drugs. It is possible that the use of only Mizol gel will not completely eliminate the fungus. You may need to take systemic drugs, especially at an advanced stage of a fungal infection.

• The presence of contraindications, including individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

Nail Expert

Nail Expert – a tool for application to the nail plate for fungal infection.

Pros

• The drug not only fights the fungus, but also is a means for the prevention of the disease.

• The first result can be assessed after 2-3 weeks.

• The drug accelerates the process of regrowth and regeneration of the nail.

• The fragility of nails decreases, their appearance improves, they become smoother.

• No side effects.

Cons

• The drug must be applied to the nails every day.

• The application technique must be followed impeccably.

• Do not use Neil Expert in combination with other external products.

• The drug must be applied in two layers.

• The presence of contraindications: age under 18, abrasions and other damage to the skin in the treatment area.

Inexpensive varnishes from nail fungus

• From demic (cost – 350 rubles). Varnish for the treatment of nail fungus containing formic acid aldehyde. It is this component that acts as a disinfectant. Lacquer must be applied daily. After treating the nail with Dimectene, decorative varnish can be applied to it.

• Mikostop, nail lotion (cost – 250 rubles). The lotion contains tetranyl. It is a derivative of undecylenic acid, which is a powerful antifungal agent. The composition of the lotion also includes components that accelerate the regeneration of the nail (vitamin PP and nicotinic acid). The drug is applied to the affected nail plate daily, the course of treatment is 1-3 months or more.

• Biopag-D Stop fungus (cost 180 rubles). It is a disinfectant that has an antifungal and antibacterial effect. It is used to process shoes and underwear. The drug is available in sachets of 5 g. The duration of the drug after treatment is 30 days.

• Belvedere lacquer (price from 100 rubles). This is a therapeutic cosmetic product that allows you to strengthen the nail plate, reduce nail delamination and get rid of brittleness. The composition of the varnish contains vitamins, minerals, fruit acids, vegetable ceramides. Depending on the goal pursued, you can choose the varnish that is most suitable in composition.

Pros and cons of varnishes from nail fungus

Varnishes from nail fungus have a liquid structure, which allows them to penetrate into the very depths of the nail plate and more effectively fight infection. A protective film is formed on the surface of the nail. It prevents the flow of oxygen from the outside, which is detrimental to mycotic microorganisms. In addition, thanks to this film, the concentration of medicinal substances inside the nail remains high.

Most varnishes from nail fungus not only fight the disease, but also improve the condition of the plates. Nails become stronger, healthier and stronger.

Most often, varnishes are allowed to be used to prevent fungal infections. They are invisible, so they can be used when visiting swimming pools, baths, gyms and other public places where the risk of infection is increased.

The main disadvantages of varnishes from nail fungus:

• Varnishes for the treatment of nail fungus are expensive. In addition, all of them have contraindications for use.

• Some varnishes contain toxic compounds in their composition, so they are not recommended for the treatment of children and pregnant women.

In general, varnish for the treatment of nail fungus is an effective tool that allows you to get rid of the disease in a quality manner.

Instructions for using varnish from nail fungus

• Before applying varnish, it is necessary to cut off the areas of the nail plate damaged by the fungus and treat them with a nail file;

• Antifungal nail polish is applied in a course of three months, and in the first month of treatment, the varnish is applied every two days, the second month it is used twice a week, and in the third month one application once a week is enough. The frequency of use of the product varies depending on the manufacturer, so you also need to read the instructions that came with the drug.

• Re-application is carried out only after removing the previous layer and cleansing the nail plate from the affected areas;

• Carefully study the contraindications for the drug you have chosen;

• Do not use fungus polish along with decorative nail coatings.

Since antifungal varnish is a therapeutic agent, it is recommended to use it after consulting a doctor.