Varnishes against nail fungus are an effective form of topical preparation that allows you to quickly cope with mycosis and return your nails to their natural appearance. Efficacy is associated with the ability of the active ingredient to penetrate deeply into the nail, affecting all layers of the plate. As a result, the spores of the fungus die without the possibility of relapse.
Advantages and disadvantages
The first advantage of the product is its high efficiency. Due to its liquid structure, the product penetrates deeply. Completely stops fungal spores. This eliminates the possibility of disease recurrence.
Other advantages of this form of release:
- Protection integrity. After the solution dries, a film forms. Does not allow air or moisture to pass through. The film blocks oxygen access to infected microflora. As a result, the vital activity of microorganisms is suppressed.
- Security. Fungicidal varnishes are characterized by a minimum of adverse reactions.
- Long lasting. The medications are applied several times during the week. If you skip the procedure, its effectiveness will not be greatly affected.
- Versatility. They are effective in the treatment and prevention of onychomycosis. Dermatologists can prescribe remedies for those who are at risk. These are increased sweating, foot pathologies, specific jobs.
The disadvantages of varnishes for toenail fungus include their high cost. Among the components of some varieties there are toxic compounds. Therefore, they may be undesirable for children. Another limitation may be pregnancy.
General application rules
Before applying antifungal nail polish, you should rinse the problem area thoroughly. 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 well and clean the nail plates. They are then sanded with a nail file. It is important that the nail does not end up being long. It is necessary to trim it as carefully as possible;
- Apply the product in a thin layer. The required frequency of application 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, it will be possible to avoid relapse of the disease and secondary infection with the fungus.
There are no colored antifungal nail polishes. It can be applied under cosmetic varnish. To do this, the plaque must be solid and the stage of the fungus must be initial or medium.
Contraindications
It is not recommended for use during pregnancy. The same applies to the breastfeeding period. Another limitation is children under four years of age.
It is undesirable to use it if you have individual intolerance to the components. In such cases, it is necessary to first consult with a cosmetologist or dermatologist.
In case of cuts, burns, scratches or other damage to the skin around the nail, do not use varnish.
Contraindications to the use of antifungal varnish.
List of the most effective medications.
Among the most effective medications are Exoderil, Onihelp and others. They cost 700-800 rubles. for 2. 5 ml.
Varnish with the active ingredient amorolfine hydrochloride (5%)
The main component is amorolfine hydrochloride (5%). Excipients: ethanol, triacetin, ethyl acetate. Effective against dermatophytes, yeasts and molds. It helps even with insensitive species, for example Micorales. Suitable for use in early and later stages.
In terms of release form, it is a transparent solution. The application must be the following:
- The varnish is applied once or twice a week to the affected plates;
- First remove and file the nail to its minimum length. It is also necessary to degrease the dish in advance;
- The varnish is applied with smooth movements. The skin is not touched. After treating the affected plaques, the product must dry. This will take three to five minutes;
- The treatment should be carried out until the nail is 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. Adverse reactions are rare. Mild redness or itching disappears on its own, after a maximum of 24 hours.
Varnish with the active ingredient amorolfine (5%)
The main component is amorolfine (5%). Excipients: triacetin, ethyl acetate, anhydrous ethanol. As for its form of release, it is a colorless varnish.
Characterized by a wide spectrum of action. Effective against yeast and mold. It is used for demorphic microorganisms, dermatophytes. Treatment is acceptable in the initial and later stages.
Use medicated nail polish against fungus to apply to affected plaques:
After processing it must be dried. 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 for three or more weeks.
Note!
An absolute contraindication is allergy to the components of the product. A relative limitation is pregnancy and lactation.
Adverse reactions develop very 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 a solution, cream, spray and tablets. The active ingredient of each release form is terbinafine (1%). The component prevents the multiplication of the fungus and destroys the infectious lesion. Additional components in the composition: benzyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, purified water, other types of alcohol.
The most effective varnish against toenail fungus is in the initial stage. 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, level layer; must 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 medication. Contraindications are alcohol dependence, acute vascular disorders, renal and hepatic failure. Adverse reactions may develop. The itching, redness and burning disappear on their own. If hives appear, consult a dermatologist.
Varnish and cream with the active ingredient amorolfine (5%)
Available in cream and varnish form. The main component in both cases is amorolfine (5%). Additional components: triacetin, butyl acetate, absolute ethanol. Thanks to the formula, the reproduction process of fungi is completely altered.
Varnish is used to treat nail fungus due to dermatophytes, mold and candidiasis. Preferably in the initial stage of mycosis. However, if more than 66% of the area is affected, the product will not be effective.
Use the fungicidal agent as follows:
- The surface of the plate is cleaned and degreased. Use a cotton swab moistened with alcohol;
- Before each use of the drug, problem nails are treated. Use a nail file and remove the remaining layer of varnish with a Q-tip;
- The applicator is inserted into a varnish bottle. Then carefully remove it. The excess does not stick to the neck of the bottle;
- Apply the varnish in an even layer using the applicator. It affects the entire surface of the affected plaque. Every nail is treated this way. The varnish dries in three minutes.
Contraindicated in case of sensitivity to the components of the product. Very rarely adverse reactions develop. They pass alone. Loceryl is recommended for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
Varnish with active ingredient naphthifine (1%)
This is an anti-fungal nail polish whose active ingredient is naftifine (1%). In addition to varnish, there is a cream with a similar composition. Excipients: ethanol and purified water.
Effective in treating dermatophytes and mold. The application is the following:
- The feet are washed and dried;
- Trim the nails as much as possible, loosen their structure a little with a file;
- The varnish is applied in an even layer; touching adjacent areas of the skin is allowed.
Treatment for allergic people is unacceptable. Its use is not desirable in case of plaque lesions, purulent or infected areas. Adverse reactions are reversible. Most often it is redness, itching and peeling. They disappear on their own in 12 to 24 hours.
Varnish with the active ingredient amorolfine hydrochloride (5%)
Another nail polish against fungus. Available in cream and spray form. The main component is amorolfine hydrochloride (5%). Additional substances: triacetin, absolute ethanol, ethyl acetate.
On a note!
More effective in the treatment of yeast fungi and dermatophytes.
Used for dimorphic microorganisms. The usage should be as follows:
- The varnish is carefully applied to the previously cleaned plate;
- First make sure there are no damages or cracks;
- You can use two layers of the product: the first is applied after the second has dried.
Treatment in children with allergies to the components is unacceptable. Adverse reactions are rare. The hyperemia or burning disappears on its own.
Inexpensive but effective antifungal varnishes.
The fungus can also be fought with more accessible means. Among them there are no less effective drugs.
Varnish with active ingredient cycloperox (8%)
Perhaps the best and most economical varnish for toenail fungus. Available in the form of varnish and cream. Active ingredient: cycloperox (8%). Auxiliary components isopropanol and ethyl acetate. The drug is effective against dermatophytes, candidiasis and molds.
Used externally:
- The varnish is applied in a thin layer to the problem nail. Do this once every two days for the first month;
- During the second month, twice a week, during the third, once every seven days;
- During the week, say Saturday, the varnish is removed. For this, a special solvent is used;
- Therapy continues until complete recovery.
Contraindications: allergies to components, childhood, pregnancy and lactation. Adverse reactions are possible. Hyperemia, itching and burning disappear on their own.
Varnish with active ingredient formic aldehyde 5%.
Available in varnish form. The main component 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, candidiasis. Application:
- The nail is processed, the plate is cut as short as possible;
- The top layer is removed with a nail file;
- Dry nails, apply a thin layer of varnish evenly;
- The composition must dry.
The varnish takes effect immediately after application. It can be used for prevention. Contraindications: pregnancy, lactation, hypersensitivity. Side effects: itching and redness of the epidermis.
oil based varnish
Available in varnish and oil form. It only fights dermatophytes. It is not used for the treatment of medium and advanced stages. Prevents the spread of infection 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 in this way:
- The plates, cuticle and phalanges are treated with Chlorhexidine. If it is not available, other antiseptics are used;
- The varnish is applied in two layers;
- Partially touching the area with the cuticle is allowed.
Contraindications – allergies to components. It should be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation. Possible side effects are redness of the skin around the nail and itching.
Varnish with active ingredients clotrimazole (1%) and cyclopirox (8%)
Available in gel and varnish form. The main components are clotrimazole (1%) andciclopirox (8%). It helps to cope with onychomycosis that arose against the background of candidiasis, as well as dermatophytes at the initial stage.
Treatment is carried out according to a specific algorithm:
- The first month it is used every day. 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. Once every seven days, the coating is completely removed. The nail is filed and trimmed;
- Third month of therapy. Application once a week is sufficient.
Local adverse reactions are possible. The itching or burning goes away on its own. Use is unacceptable for children under 12 years of age and pregnant women. If you are breastfeeding and are allergic to the components, you should also refrain from treatment.
Opinions on nail polishes
On the Internet there are mostly positive reviews about nail polishes against fungus. They stand out for high efficiency and ease of use. Among the disadvantages: high cost, presence of contraindications. Sometimes adverse reactions occur.
Varnish for nail fungus helps to quickly cope with an unpleasant problem. This form of release is the most convenient to use. The varnish forms a dense protective layer that destroys fungi. First study the instructions, contraindications and other nuances.