Nail polish for fungus - application rules, table review of the best varnishes

When caring for our hands, we can often notice some changes in the structure of the nail, the skin around it, and changes in the color of the nail plate. This is one of the signs of nail fungus. There are many ways that will help you solve this problem, from ointments to various baths, but there is not always enough time for this, and then nail polish for fungus comes to the rescue. An overview of the most popular products on the market, an assessment from the point of view of doctors and the price of anti-fungal varnishes - you will find all this in our article.

The principle of action of antifungal varnish

Varnish preparations against fungal diseases are good because they affect the nails structurally.

The consistency of the drug helps treat fungus, penetrating even into small crevices. After the procedure, the product dries quite quickly, forming a dense film that cannot be wiped off on clothes.

A rich effect on fungus is one of the advantages of varnish. It penetrates into the very bases of the nail plate and fights foci of the disease. Thanks to the dense coating, oxygen does not reach the plate and helps the medicine to quickly destroy fungal spores, which stops the progression of the disease.

Improvements become noticeable after the first application of the medication, within a couple of days. You will see that the redness on your nails decreases and the dryness disappears. This means that the disease stopped developing and began to recede. The most important thing is to choose the right drug.

Indications and contraindications for use

Therapeutic varnish against nail fungus is indicated for those who have:

Some varnishes are not recommended for use by pregnant women, during lactation, as well as by children under 4 years of age.

Dermatologists and cosmetologists do not advise using varnish for those who have an individual intolerance to the components of the medicinal product.

If the varnish application technology is not applied correctly, side effects may occur in the form of an allergic reaction (itching or hives). It is not recommended to use two types of nail polish against fungus at the same time on the same nail plate.

The most effective varnishes against fungus - which one to choose?

To choose the right anti-fungal varnish, consult with an appropriate specialist and take the tests prescribed by him.

Select a drug only after a doctor’s opinion. You will definitely be advised of the manufacturer and the duration of the course. However, remember the criteria when choosing a product yourself:

• We do not recommend choosing varnishes that have not proven themselves. A well-known manufacturer is always better than an untested one.
• If your disease is already advanced and long-term therapy is required, buy products with the highest content of medicinal components.
• Provided that the disease develops very quickly, you need to choose a varnish that contains at least 7% of the main component.
• If you are looking for convenience, buy the medicine with accessories - nail files, napkins, spatulas for application. This will make the procedures easier.
• When choosing a polish for toenail fungus, pay attention to reviews and price. Often you can find an inexpensive analogue to replace a branded product.
• Don’t forget about the characteristics of your body. If there are contraindications or a pronounced reaction to any components, take this into account.

To make your choice easier, we have compiled a list of the 10 most common antifungal varnish products.

Lotseril

This medicinal varnish has long been common and is recommended by many patients. This varnish is most effective when the fungus has not yet captured the entire nail plate. In case of advanced disease, it is best to use it in combination with other anti-fungal drugs.

One of the active ingredients in the drug is Amorolfine. It copes well with yeast and mold fungal diseases, and fights infectious lesions. The medication is used several times a week, the course usually lasts from six months to a year.

Loceryl sells the product in bottles, complete with nail files, sponges and spatulas soaked in an alcohol solution. The cost of the drug is from 1200 rubles and above. This varnish for nail fungus has an analogue, Onihelp, the price of which is 900 rubles.

Cyclopolis

The main substance in the drug is Ciclopirox. The drug is very fast acting. It easily penetrates the nail plate and actively fights various types of fungus, just like Loceryl. Works like an antibacterial agent.

It can also be used for prevention. The varnish dries in just thirty seconds, but it is washed off with plain water. Therefore, it is recommended to perform all procedures before bedtime, and then do not rinse the treatment areas for up to 6 hours.

During this time, the drug will take the required concentration and after removal, up to 30% of the medicinal substances will remain on the nail plate.

There is no kit for this nail fungus polish. The price of the drug starts from 3,500 rubles.

Lamisil

The varnish works very well in the early stages of treatment. When the infection covers more than half of the nail plate, the medicine becomes ineffective. Doctors prescribe additional drugs in combination with this varnish, or select a more effective remedy.

However, the varnish contains the substance terbinafine, which, by creating a dense coating, does not allow fungal spores to develop and completely eliminates the disease.

It is recommended to use Lamisil only independently, without applying decorative varnish to the nail plates, which significantly reduces the effectiveness of treatment. The price of the product and its configuration is from 1200 rubles.

Batrafen

The drug can resist 60 types of fungal diseases. The course lasts a maximum of six months, a minimum of three months. The first weeks of use, Batrafen nail fungus varnish is applied up to 4 times a week. According to reviews, in mild cases, patients used it 2 times. It should be used alone, without cosmetics, so that the effectiveness of the components does not decrease.

Available in bottles with a brush attached to the cap for application. The product is removed using acetone liquid. Price up to 2300 rubles per bottle.

Mikozan

The varnish costs only about 800 rubles. Contains completely natural and safe substances. The disease is dealt with quickly and, after the first use, you can notice a good result. It is better to use varnish without decorative agents.

It is suitable not only for the treatment of fungal diseases, but also improves the condition of completely healthy nails. There are no analogues to Mikosan, but complex courses can be conducted with it.

Demicten

Patients are always looking for medicines with affordable prices and effective properties. Demicten fits exactly this description, not exceeding the cost of 300 rubles.

The varnish is white in color, which in consistency and properties is very similar to PVA glue. It comes with a spatula for application. It contains formic acid aldehyde, which does not allow fungal spores to develop.

Neil expert

The product protects and strengthens the nail plate, preventing yeast infections from developing. The main substance in the composition is D-Panthenol, which softens the affected area. The kit includes an applicator. The cost of the drug varies from 450 to 600 rubles per package.

Nail Defender

This tool has proven itself well. Nail Defender is an effective varnish for toenail fungus, copes well with diseases at the first stages of manifestation.

The drug is suitable not only as a varnish against nail fungus, it is also used as a decorative varnish that perfectly strengthens the nail plate. This varnish is oil-based and consists entirely of natural ingredients. Neroli oil contained in the varnish protects the surface of the nails and gives a pleasant smell.

Defender is very easy to use, effective and has an affordable price - up to 100 rubles.

Gazebo

One of the newest varnishes that prevents the spread of fungus to healthy areas of the plate. However, varnish has no medicinal properties; it is good for preventing and stopping the disease at the first symptoms if used regularly.

It contains vitamins and various extracts. Can be used as a natural decorative varnish. The price is about 150 rubles.

Oflomil

Fungus varnish, often called Flamil. This is an effective remedy that copes with a large number of pathogens of onychomycosis. It has also proven itself as a disinfectant.

If you follow the instructions in full, you can get rid of the fungus in a short time and not worry about its return. Sold with a set of nail files, napkins and an applicator, which makes the procedure easier.

Effective and popular Oflomil costs about 800 rubles. Remember that in case of advanced onychomycosis, it is better to use it in combination with other drugs.

Find out more

Other available drugs

A doctor can prescribe varnishes from this list:

• Exorolfinlac. A product based on amorolfine is used twice a week. Completely eliminates infection, accelerates the growth of healthy cells, restores the original relief, and stops the proliferation of fungus.
• Cyclopolis. The active ingredient is ciclopirox. It has an antibacterial effect, penetrates fungal cells and destroys the cell membrane. It is recommended to apply 1-2 times a day.
• Nail Defender. Cheap varnish with different shades, indicated for preventing and suppressing infections in the initial stages. Causes rapid death of pathogenic flora, strengthens the plate, restores elasticity and firmness of tissues. The affected area is treated 2 times a day - morning and evening.
• Stop Fungus. It has fungicidal (destruction of pathogenic cells) and fungistatic properties (suppression of infection growth). The varnish is applied 1-2 times a week until complete healing.
• Neil Expert. The nail coating inhibits the development of yeast fungi, restores damaged areas of the stratum corneum, strengthens and moisturizes nails with D-panthenol and glycerin.

How to properly treat fungus and use varnish - our instructions

Varnish effectively helps in the treatment of fungal infections if you follow simple criteria:

1. The drug is correctly selected exclusively for your case
2. Full compliance with the instructions included with the product
3. You completed the entire course prescribed by a specialist without interrupting it until complete recovery

Instructions for using varnish products:

• Before using an antifungal agent, be sure to thoroughly wash the surfaces with water and soap, then wipe dry with a towel so that no moisture remains in the treated areas.
• If the polish does not come with alcohol wipes, soak a cotton swab in alcohol or acetone and remove oils from the surface of the nails.
• Be sure to get a manicure afterwards. You need to cut your nails, remove peeling surfaces and areas affected by fungus. Disposable files are suitable. One for each nail to prevent the disease from spreading to other surfaces.
• Then apply the varnish following the attached instructions.

These are generally accepted recommendations for using varnishes to treat toenail or fingernail fungus. Each medication has its own list of properties and contraindications, so before carrying out the procedures, be sure to consult a specialist.

How to apply varnish

It is very important not only to choose the right anti-fungal agent, but also to know how to use it. To properly apply nail polish against fungus, you first need to wash them with water and laundry soap; this product will eliminate spores that are ready to spread. After this, it is recommended to degrease the skin; this can be done by several means:

1. Alcohol diluted with water 1:1;
2. Iodine solution (a few drops of iodine per teaspoon);
3. An aqueous solution of blue (sold at the pharmacy).

After this, wipe the nail dry with a dry cloth made from natural materials; you can use a cotton napkin, sponge, or cotton pad. Another aspect that is very important to remember. Before you buy nail polish, you need to read the instructions that come with this antifungal remedy and look at the manufacturer’s patent. It lists the forms of fungi that this product resists. After all, it is clear that even the most expensive and effective medicine will be useless if it is used for other purposes; you must first decide which varnish is best for your nails.

Before using any anti-mycosia remedy, you should consult your doctor. The issue should be taken especially seriously if a girl has an ingrown toenail. In this case, the fungus penetrates not only the surface of the nail, but also into the skin. Get a manicure or pedicure using special baths. Please note that it is better to wait to trim your nails, because in this case, after each cut you will need to disinfect the tools.

The result of untimely treatment of a nail for fungus

Complementary therapy

As you already understood, the use of varnish products alone in the fight against onychomycosis is not always effective. At some stages of the disease, the drug may not bring improvement at all.

The fungus is very unpleasant: it spoils the appearance of the nails, causes a bad odor and causes discomfort. However, it is dangerous not only externally, but can also affect the internal body. If you notice signs of mycosis, consult a doctor immediately.

The specialist will decide whether restoration will cost one varnish preparation or whether complex treatment is necessary. There are tablets, ointments, creams, solutions and even sprays against onychomycosis. All medications have different effects and many contraindications.

You can simply get lost among them, risking choosing something that is not at all suitable for your situation. The opinion of a professional will not be superfluous before going to the pharmacy.

Types of fungus and causes of the disease

The disease is divided into the following types:

1. Normotrophic type . The healthy shine of the nail is maintained. Its structure also remains the same. The only manifestation of the disease is the appearance of white stripes and dots on the plate. Gradually they grow, covering the entire surface. The nail becomes yellow, which indicates a superficial spread of infection;
2. Hypertrophic type . The structure of the nail plate changes. The nail begins to thicken and become thinner. It begins to delaminate and the direction of its growth changes. Against the background of deformations, the plate loses its healthy color;
3. Onycholytic type . Significant changes are being observed. The plate begins to lag behind the nail bed. Her appearance changes significantly. The nail becomes corroded as the fungus practically feeds on it.

The disease is caused by fungal microorganisms that fall on a healthy surface. This can happen under the following circumstances:

• Visiting swimming pools, bathhouses and other public institutions where people walk barefoot;
• Performing manicure and pedicure with instruments that have not been processed;
• Living with a person who has mycosis.

In the first stages, the immune system is able to cope with the pathogenic environment. However, there are factors that lead to its rapid development and the appearance of the disease:

1. Poor circulation in the affected area;
2. Insufficient hygiene;
3. Diabetes;
4. Sweating;
5. Varicose veins;
6. Weakened immune system.

Fungus is an age-related disease. It almost never appears in children, but is extremely often diagnosed in older people.

Effective fungus prevention

To avoid becoming infected with fungus, it is not always enough to maintain hygiene. You can catch the disease in a bathhouse or swimming pool, at a friend’s house, or in public places. Varnish for nail fungus on the toes and hands is a good solution for prevention.

The procedure does not take much time and completely protects the nails from such a dangerous microorganism as fungus. Use the drug before going to public places or immediately after returning home.

You can choose a preventive measure based on our list, or by consulting a pharmacist.

Adviсe

To make the application of products as useful and effective as possible, you can use the following tips:

• Before applying the substance, wash your hands or feet;
• the affected area and the tissue surrounding it should be disinfected. To do this, you can use a napkin with an alcohol solution;
• All nails, both on the hands and feet, should be covered with the product to avoid infection of healthy nail plates;
• Anti-fungal nail polish is recommended to be applied only to dry nail plates. The water must be thoroughly wiped off, and the antiseptic must be completely dried;
• nail plates should be polished using a disposable file (most often they are included in the kit along with an antifungal agent);
• you need to cut off the nail as much as possible to speed up the course of treatment;
• It is advisable to apply the varnish in a thin layer. You should read the instructions exactly how to apply this or that drug: from the edges of the plate to the center or otherwise.

When performing a manicure, reusable tools should be constantly disinfected. This is done using solutions that are sold in nail shops. The product dries quickly: about 3 minutes depending on the product.

If a fungus appears, you should immediately consult a doctor to receive the necessary course of treatment, possibly complex. Under no circumstances should this disease be neglected, as it is difficult and long to treat.

Reviews of the best varnishes against fungus

Oksana, 34 years old. I was inconvenienced by nail fungus, which I discovered very late. In such cases, varnish does not always work well. I decided to try Exoderil polish for nail fungus. I couldn’t decide for a long time, but I liked the reviews about it. The price has also tripled - 350 rubles. I struggled for a long time, but everything worked out.

Victor, 27 years old. I tried to cure nail fungus with iodine solutions, but only made things worse. It was decided not to skimp on health and buy a varnish preparation. I've been using it for a month and a half and the symptoms have disappeared. The doctor recommended not to stop using it for several weeks after recovery.

Additional recommendations

The fungus usually occurs against the background of other diseases. To get rid of it, you need to find the root of the problem. For example, if it is sweating, you need to fight not only mycosis, but also with it.

The fungus, in 20% of cases, returns after successful therapy. To prevent this from happening, the course of treatment must be completed to the end. It is also important not to neglect preventive measures. Treatment is considered successfully completed only if a completely healthy nail has grown back. If the symptoms simply disappear, it is not recommended to stop the course. Most likely, not all fungal microorganisms were destroyed.

Varnish can also be used in advanced stages. However, it must be supplemented with systemic drugs. It is important to consult a doctor before using them. It is important to remember that tablets have many contraindications. These include pregnancy and childhood. If there are contraindications, a combination of local drugs will have to be used for treatment. They combine with each other in different ways, so you should also consult your doctor regarding complex treatment. Otherwise, you may not get any effect.