Nail fungus varnishes are an effective form of topical preparation that allows you to quickly combat mycoses and return your nails to their natural appearance. The effectiveness is associated with the ability of the active ingredient to penetrate deep into the nail and affect all layers of the plate. This causes the fungal spores to die without any relapse being possible.
advantages and disadvantages
The first advantage of the product is its high efficiency. Due to its liquid structure, the product penetrates deeply. It stops fungal spores completely. This eliminates the possibility of the disease recurring.
Further advantages of this form of release:
- Completeness of protection. After the solution dries, a film forms. It does not allow air or moisture to pass through. The film blocks oxygen access to the infected microflora. As a result, the vital activity of microorganisms is suppressed.
- Security. Fungicidal varnishes are characterized by a minimum of side effects.
- Long lasting. The medication is used several times a week. Skipping the process will not significantly affect its effectiveness.
- Versatility. They are effective in treating and preventing onychomycosis. Dermatologists can prescribe remedies to people at risk. These are increased sweating, foot diseases and specific work.
The disadvantages of varnishes against toenail fungus include their high cost. The components of some varieties include toxic compounds. Therefore, they may be undesirable for children. Another limitation can be pregnancy.
General application rules
Before applying antifungal nail polish, you must thoroughly rinse the problem area. For processing, use laundry soap or an antibacterial agent.
Important!
The surface of the nail plate must be degreased. To do this, use the product in combination with antifungal nail polish.
It is acceptable to use diluted alcohol or iodine.
The following is recommended:
- Dry your feet thoroughly and wipe your nail plates. They are then sanded with a nail file. It is important that the nail does not end up being too long. It must be pruned as carefully as possible;
- Apply the product in a thin layer. The required frequency of use is indicated in the instructions for use;
- Wait for the composition to dry.
- Disinfect all pedicure accessories. This applies to nail files and scissors. In this case, a relapse of the disease and a secondary infection with the fungus can be avoided.
There are no colored anti-fungal nail polishes. Can be applied under cosmetic varnish. To do this, the plate must be solid and the fungal stage must be in the early or middle stages.
Contraindications
Use during pregnancy is not recommended. The same applies to the time of breastfeeding. Another restriction is children under four years of age.
Its use is undesirable if you have individual intolerance to the components. In such cases, you must consult a beautician or dermatologist in advance.
Do not use polish if there are cuts, burns, scratches or other damage to the skin around the nail.
Contraindications to the use of anti-fungal varnish
List of the most effective drugs
The most effective drugs include Exoderil, Onihelp and others. They cost between 700 and 800 rubles. for 2. 5 ml.
Varnish with the active ingredient amorolfine hydrochloride (5%)
The main ingredient is amorolfine hydrochloride (5%). Excipients: ethanol, triacetin, ethyl acetate. Effective against dermatophytes, yeasts and molds. Also helps with insensitive species, for example Micorales. Suitable for use in early and later stages.
In terms of the form of release, this is a transparent solution. The application should read as follows:
- The varnish is applied to the affected panels once or twice a week;
- First, remove and file the nail to its minimum length. You also need to degrease the plate beforehand;
- The varnish is applied with gentle movements. The skin is not touched. After treating the affected panels, the product should dry. This takes three to five minutes;
- The treatment should be carried out until the nail has completely healed.
The use of varnish is unacceptable if you are allergic to the main and additional components. Another restriction is the age under 18 years. Side effects are rare. Redness or slight itching will subside on their own after a maximum of 24 hours.
Varnish with the active ingredient amorolfine (5%)
The main ingredient is amorolfine (5%). Excipients: triacetin, ethyl acetate, anhydrous ethanol. In terms of the release form, it is a colorless varnish.
Characterized by a wide spectrum of effects. Effective against yeast and mold. It is used for demorphic microorganisms, dermatophytes. Treatment is acceptable in the early and late stages.
Apply medicated antifungal nail polish to the affected plates:
After processing it should dry. Then you can put on socks and shoes. Be sure to disinfect the applicator, file and scissors used during the treatment process.
Therapy is carried out over three or more weeks.
Take note!
An absolute contraindication is allergy to the components of the product. A relative limitation is pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Side effects occur extremely rarely and disappear on their own.
This varnish is not used for prophylactic purposes. It is designed to treat problematic nail plates.
Varnish with active ingredient terbinafine (1%)
Available in the form of solution, cream, spray and tablets. The active ingredient for each release form is terbinafine (1%). The component makes it impossible for the fungus to multiply and destroys the infectious lesion. Additional components in the composition: benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, purified water, other types of alcohol.
The most effective polish against toenail fungus is in the early stages. Used for dermatomycosis and candidiasis. The list of actions is as follows:
- The feet are pre-steamed and cleaned;
- The varnish is applied in a thin, leveled layer - it should completely cover the affected area;
- Treated areas should not be washed for 24 hours.
If more than 50% of the nail is affected, there is no point in using the drug. Contraindications include alcohol addiction, acute vascular diseases, kidney and liver failure. Side effects may occur. Itching, redness and burning will go away on their own. If hives appear, consult a dermatologist.
Varnish and cream with the active ingredient amorolfine (5%)
Available in the form of cream and varnish. The main ingredient in both cases is amorolfine (5%). Additional components: triacetin, butyl acetate, absolute ethanol. Thanks to the formula, the process of fungal reproduction is completely disrupted.
The varnish is used to treat nail fungus due to dermatophytes, mold and yeast infections. Preferably in the initial stages of mycosis. However, if more than 66% of the area is affected, the product is not effective.
Use the fungicidal agent as follows:
- The surface of the plate is cleaned and degreased. Use a swab moistened with alcohol;
- Before each use of the drug, problem nails are treated. Use a nail file and remove the remaining layer of polish with a swab;
- The applicator is lowered into a bottle of varnish. Then carefully pull it out. The excess does not rub off on the neck of the bottle;
- Apply the polish evenly using the applicator. Affect the entire surface of the affected plate. Every nail is treated in this way. The paint dries within three minutes.
Contraindicated in case of hypersensitivity to the components of the product. Side effects occur very rarely. They move on on their own. Loceryl is recommended for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
Varnish with active ingredient naftifine (1%)
This is an anti-fungal nail polish whose active ingredient is naftifine (1%). In addition to the varnish, there is a cream with a similar composition. Excipients: ethanol and purified water.
Effective in treating dermatophytes and mold. The application is as follows:
- The feet are washed and dried;
- Trim the nails as much as possible and loosen their structure a little with a nail file.
- The varnish is applied in an even layer - it is permissible to touch adjacent areas of the skin.
Treatment of allergy sufferers is unacceptable. Its use is undesirable for plate injuries, purulent or infected areas. Side effects are reversible. Most often these are redness, itching and peeling. They disappear on their own within 12-24 hours.
Varnish with the active ingredient amorolfine hydrochloride (5%)
Another anti-fungal nail polish. Available in the form of cream and spray. The main ingredient is amorolfine hydrochloride (5%). Additional substances: triacetin, absolute ethanol, ethyl acetate.
On a note!
Most effective in treating yeast and dermatophytes.
Used for dimorphic microorganisms. The usage should be as follows:
- The varnish is carefully applied to the previously cleaned panel;
- First, make sure there are no damages or tears.
- You can apply the product in two layers - the first is applied after the second has dried.
Treatment in children with allergies to components is unacceptable. Side effects are rare. Hyperemia or burning sensation goes away on its own.
Inexpensive but effective antifungal varnishes
The fungus can also be combated with more easily accessible means. Among them there are no less effective drugs.
Varnish with active ingredient Cycloperox (8%)
Perhaps the best and most cost-effective polish against toenail fungus. Available in the form of varnish and cream. Active ingredient: Cycloperox (8%). Auxiliary components isopropanol and ethyl acetate. The drug is active against dermatophytes, candidiasis and molds.
Applied externally:
- The varnish is applied in a thin layer to the problem nail. Do this once every other day for the first month.
- In the second month – twice a week, in the third – once every seven days;
- The paint is removed during the week, for example on Saturday. A special solvent is used for this;
- Therapy continues until complete recovery.
Contraindications: allergies to components, childhood, pregnancy and breastfeeding. Side effects are possible. Hyperemia, itching and burning go away on their own.
Varnish with active ingredient formic aldehyde 5%
Available in the form of varnish. The main ingredient is Paraform (formaldehyde 5%). Additional components: polyvinyl acetate emulsion, a mixture of proteins and enzymes.
Apply varnish every day for a month. Fights mold and yeast fungi, candidiasis. Application:
- The nail is processed, the plate is cut as short as possible;
- The top layer is removed with a nail file;
- Dry the nails and apply a thin layer of varnish evenly.
- The composition must dry.
The varnish takes effect immediately after application. Can be used for prevention. Contraindications: pregnancy, breastfeeding, hypersensitivity. Side effects: itching and redness of the epidermis.
Oil based varnish
Available in the form of varnish and oil. It only fights dermatophytes. Not suitable for treating intermediate and advanced stages. Prevents infection from spreading to large areas of the nail.
The composition contains oils (almond, lavender, jojoba). There are also oil solutions of vitamins.
Contains keratin, silicon and coral extract.
The varnish is used as follows:
- The plates, cuticles and phalanges are treated with chlorhexidine. If it is not available, other antiseptics are used;
- The varnish is applied in two layers;
- It is allowed to partially touch the area with the cuticle.
Contraindications – allergies to components. Should be used with caution during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Possible side effects include redness of the skin around the nail and itching.
Varnish with the active ingredients clotrimazole (1%) and ciclopirox (8%)
Available in gel and varnish form. The main ingredients are clotrimazole (1%) and ciclopirox (8%). Helps to cope with onychomycosis that has arisen against the background of candidiasis, as well as dermatophytes in the initial stages.
Treatment takes place according to a certain algorithm:
- The first month is used daily. Apply the product carefully without damaging the skin;
- Once a week, the hardened varnish is removed with a special liquid;
- Second month of treatment. The product is used twice a week. The coating is completely removed every seven days. The nail is filed and shortened;
- Third month of therapy. A weekly application is sufficient.
Local side effects are possible. The itching or burning sensation goes away on its own. Its use is not acceptable for children under 12 years of age and pregnant women. If you are breastfeeding and have an allergic reaction to the components, you should also refrain from therapy.
Opinions about nail polishes
There are mostly positive reviews on the internet about nail polishes against fungi. They are characterized by high efficiency and user-friendliness. The disadvantages include: high cost, presence of contraindications. Sometimes side effects occur.
Nail fungus polish helps to quickly cope with an unpleasant problem. This form of sharing is the most convenient to use. The varnish forms a dense protective layer that kills fungi. First, study the instructions, contraindications and other nuances.