How to treat toenail fungus? Medicines and pills

List of topical antifungal agents for toenails with prices

In this article we will talk about the following medicinal ointments and creams for nail fungus:

• Terbinafine (from 50 rubles);
• Mycozoral (from 200-250 rubles);
• Salicylic ointment (from 25 rubles);
• Nogtimitsin 911 (from 110 rubles);
• Clotrimazole (from 40 rubles);
• Atifin (from 180 rubles);
• Bifosin (from 50 rubles;
• Mikoket (from 100 rubles);
• Fundizol (from 80 rubles).

There is a table of contents just above, you can click on any item to immediately scroll the article to the right place.

Terbinafine

Antifungal agent of the allylamine group. The active substance terbinafine accumulates over several weeks on the skin and nails in concentrations that provide a fungicidal effect (lead to the death of fungi).

Indications:

• fungal diseases of the skin caused by dermatophytes;
• candidiasis;
• lichen versicolor.

Directions for use: the ointment is applied 1-2 times a day for 1-2 weeks.

Side effects: redness, itching, burning.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to terbinafine.

Whether Terbinafine can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be decided by your doctor. Lactation will most likely need to be stopped during treatment.

The ointment can be used to treat children.

Pros:

• without smell;
• in most cases gives visible results;
• does not leave stains on clothes;
• inexpensive;
• suitable for prevention.

Minuses:

• may cause allergies;
• It rarely doesn't help.

Mycozoral

Unpleasant symptoms disappear quite quickly, even before signs of recovery appear.

Indications:

• dermatomycosis of smooth skin;
• athlete's foot inguinal;
• epidermophytosis of the hands and feet, skin candidiasis;
• pityriasis versicolor;
• seborrheic dermatitis caused by Pityrosporum ovale.

Directions for use: the ointment is applied once a day to the affected area. The duration of treatment is about 4 weeks. Do not stop using the product immediately after all signs of the disease disappear; apply it for several more days. If after 4 weeks of therapy no positive dynamics are observed, you should consult a doctor and clarify the diagnosis.

Nail removal kits

The Mycospor set is actively used to cleanse the nail bed. The medicine is an ointment for external use, which is sold in tubes of 10 g. 1 gram of the substance contains 1% of the main active ingredient - bifonazole. The package also includes a pack of waterproof patches, a dispenser and a scraper.

Removal of plates affected by fungus using Mycospor occurs according to the same principle as with ointments. First, the patient needs to steam and dry the nails, and then cover the surrounding tissue with an adhesive plaster. Next, apply the product, seal the top with a band-aid and leave for several days. The procedure is repeated until complete removal.

Important!

Side effects of using the product are maceration and desquamation of the skin, contact dermatitis, erythema, itching, burning sensation, and rash. They are reversible because they disappear within a few days after stopping the medication.

Nail removal using the Mycospor kit

Salicylic ointment

Salicylic ointment is an excellent universal remedy, and it is very inexpensive. It is impossible to cure toenail fungus using only this ointment. It is necessary to take an antifungal drug orally.

Nowadays, there are much more effective ointments, sprays, gels, etc.

Directions for use: steam your feet in a bath with potassium permanganate, then apply 5% salicylic ointment to the affected area using a cotton swab. You need to use the product 2 times a day (morning, evening).

You can also apply a compress over the ointment. 2-3 times a week you should take a soap and soda bath, and then get rid of the exfoliated layer of skin or nail. Therapy should continue until the healthy nail grows completely or signs of fungus disappear.

Contraindications: childhood, hypersensitivity to salicylic acid.

Side effects: itching, burning, rash, allergies.

Pros:

• inexpensive;
• helps with many skin problems.

Minuses:

• fat;
• not sold everywhere;
• dries out the skin.

Preparing to remove the nail plate

Before applying the medicine Mykostop to remove a nail affected by fungus , you need to thoroughly steam the skin in a soda solution. This procedure allows you to disinfect the skin and soften the nail well. Afterwards, you need to thoroughly dry your feet and remove decorative varnish from the surface of the nail plate with acetone. It is recommended to thoroughly wipe the treatment area with a cotton pad soaked in Chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide.

A medicinal product for removing a nail affected by a fungus should be carefully applied to the prepared and cleaned plate and distributed over the entire surface. A gauze bandage should be placed on top of the treated fabric and secured with an adhesive plaster, which will prevent the cream from smearing around the nail.

It is recommended to carry out the procedure 2 times a day after taking foot baths. Throughout the entire period of fighting against onychomycosis with Mycostop cream, it is not allowed to apply cosmetic varnish to the nails.

After the treatment, the nail plate affected by the fungal pathogen should soften. Using a sterile manicure file or scraper, it should be carefully removed from the finger. If you cannot remove the plate, then under no circumstances should you tear it out by force. This can severely injure the bed and provoke additional infection into the resulting wound. In such a situation, it is recommended to re-treat the inflamed nail with Mycostop cream-paste and remove the remaining elements.

Even after it was possible to remove the plate affected by the fungus, it is not allowed to complete the treatment of onychomycosis. The fact is that after such a procedure, the pathogen still remains in the soft tissues.

For subsequent treatment of pathology and prevention of relapse, he recommends taking antifungal agents and treating the area of ​​the removed nail with various local antifungal drugs. The duration of such treatment ranges from 7 to 15 days.

Nogtimycin 911

Nogtimycin 911 is one of the best ointments against toenail fungus. Prescribed for softening and painless removal of nails affected by fungus.

The substances included in the product are quite gentle, but very effective. After just a few procedures, the nail can be removed without pain. To completely restore a nail, one course is usually enough.

The cream is applied to the nail plate affected by the fungus. Do not apply cream to healthy skin!

Step by step method of application:

1. Steam your feet in a warm soap-soda solution (1 tablespoon of soda per liter of water).
2. Secure the patch well to the dry skin around the nail.
3. Apply a thick layer of cream (without affecting healthy areas of the skin!) and cover tightly with a bandage on top. You need to walk with this bandage for at least 3-4 days.
4. After removing the patch, steam your feet again, then remove the top layer of the nail with nail scissors. Just don't forget to disinfect them.
5. This procedure should be repeated several times until complete healing.

Attention! If you accidentally apply cream to healthy areas of the skin, be sure to rinse them thoroughly with cold running water!

Contraindications:

• increased sensitivity to components;
• allergic reactions to bee products;
• open wounds at the site where the cream is supposed to be applied.

Side effects: sometimes allergies develop.

Pros:

• painless removal;
• nice smell;
• low price;

Minuses:

• does not cure;
• requires careful application;
• You need to wear a bandage for several days, it’s not very comfortable.

Reviews of preparations for removing the nail plate

Reviews about the ins and out cream for the treatment of nail fungus are mostly positive. Many patients consider drugs for removing nails affected by fungus to be the most effective and painless method of treatment. Some experts say that a means for removing a fungus-affected plate, such as Mycostop, is not the main method of eliminating pathology. With its help, it is possible to get rid of the affected nail and accelerate the growth of a new one. For more effective therapy, it is necessary to take antibiotics prescribed by a doctor simultaneously with the use of antifungal ointments.

Elena, 34 years old, Moscow: “About a year ago I encountered a disease such as onychomycosis. I managed to recover with the help of Clotrimazole ointment, but after a few months the nail plate began to turn yellow again and was completely cracked. I bought Mycostop cream paste at the pharmacy and with its help completely removed the diseased nail. My new healthy nail grew in 4 months, and I completely forgot about my problem.

Irina. 56 years old, Krasnodar: “For a long time I did not seek medical help with a disease such as nail fungus. As a result, it got to the point where the nail on the big toe completely peeled off and the specialist said that it would have to be removed. He suggested that I do this surgically or with the help of a drug. He prescribed me Mycostop cream paste and told me how to use it. After completing the course of treatment, my healthy nail grew back completely.

Watch a video about nail fungus removal cream:

Clotrimazole

Another effective and cheap ointment for toenail fungus is Clotrimazole.

Directions for use: apply 2-3 times a day for 2-4 weeks.

Indications:

• fungal infections of the skin and mucous membranes caused by dermatophytes, molds and yeast-like fungi;
• pityriasis versicolor;
• erythrasma;
• vulvovaginal candidiasis;
• trichomoniasis;
• mycoses complicated by secondary pyoderma.

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Contraindications:

• first trimester of pregnancy;
• hypersensitivity to substances in the composition.

Side effects: allergic contact dermatitis, redness, burning.

Pros:

• really helps;
• treats, not just removes symptoms;
• it's very cheap.

Minuses:

• there are fakes;
• contraindicated during pregnancy;
• long-term use;
• may cause allergies, burning sensation;
• fat.

Antifungal nail polishes

Depending on the stage and nature of the fungal infection, various methods are chosen for treatment that help eliminate the disease in a short time. The initial stages of fungal diseases of the nail plate are characterized by a small area of ​​damage, so the optimal solution in treating the disease would be the use of disinfectant varnishes.

The principle of antifungal varnishes is a softening and disinfecting effect on the nail plate, under the influence of which the fungus and its spores die. At the moment, the most famous antifungal varnishes are Lotseril, Batrafen, Lamisil, Demikten. They are produced by different pharmaceutical companies, but all have proven themselves as an excellent fungicidal agent that helps eliminate pathogenic flora. They are used not only as a remedy, but also as a prevention of fungal diseases.

Review of nail fungus varnishes:

• Loceryl is a varnish with a huge spectrum of action; it has a detrimental effect on dozens of types of fungal strains. Its effect is due to the active substance Amorolfine, which destroys the cell membrane of fungi and their spores, which leads to their death. A day after application, Amorolfine penetrates into the deepest layers of the nail and remains there for about ten days. Patients who use this drug to get rid of fungus are satisfied with its positive effect. It can also be used in preventive measures. Side effects include a burning sensation.
• Demicten is an antifungal drug whose active ingredient is organic compounds of formic acid. It is used in the treatment of rough nail plates, as well as soft tissues. Demicten has established itself as an excellent wound-healing agent for cracks, as a remedy that relieves itching and eliminates unpleasant odors. It is also used as a preventative against cracks, corns and other symptoms of fungus.
• Batrafen is a derivative of cyclopiroxolamine. The drug actively fights yeast, mold and bacterial infections. It is an excellent remedy for the treatment of dermatitis, onychomycosis, and vaginitis. May cause an allergic reaction, manifested by peeling of the skin, redness and burning.
• Mikozan is a whole set for the fight and removal of fungal nail infections. The set contains nail files for one-time use, serum and a brush for applying it. The serum contains rye enzymes, hydroxyethylcellulose, and dimethylisosorbide, which have a destructive effect on the fungal membrane. Before use, mycosis is steamed on the feet, the nail is cleaned with the files included in the set, then a medicinal serum is applied. The course of treatment must be at least thirty days.
• NileDefender - refers to prophylactic agents against foot and nail fungus. Regular use of NileDefender varnishes significantly reduces the risk of infection with fungal diseases and increases local immunity. The NileDefender collection is represented by a series of varnishes with vitamins, silicon, and coral extract.

Recommendations for the use of antifungal varnishes

To achieve optimal results when treating fungal nail infections, you should adhere to the recommendations for the use of drugs, strictly follow the dosage and rules for applying antifungal agents. This will speed up the healing process and minimize or avoid side effects. For example, Loceryl is recommended to be used twice a week until all symptoms of the disease disappear. This can last a month, six months, or a year, it all depends on the severity and nature of the disease. An important rule when treating onychomycosis with antifungal varnishes is not to use several products at the same time, this can slow down or completely neutralize the effect of the healing components included in the varnishes. (

Atifin

Antifungal agent for toenails, has a broad spectrum of antifungal activity.

Directions for use: Apply 1-2 times a day in a thin layer to the affected area and adjacent areas. You need to use the ointment for 1-2 weeks. If there are no improvements after this period, stop using the drug and clarify the diagnosis.

Indications:

• prevention and treatment of fungal skin infections: tinea pedis, inguinal athlete's foot, fungal infections of smooth body skin caused by dermatophytes;
• yeast skin infections, diaper rash;
• lichen versicolor.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to terbinafine or other components of the drug.

Bifosin

The active ingredient in this antifungal cream is bifonazole. The drug is also produced in the form of a spray.

Directions for use: Apply a thin layer to the affected area once a day at night and rub in thoroughly.

Indications:

• mycoses of the feet and hands;
• dermatomycosis of smooth skin;
• pityriasis versicolor;
• superficial skin candidiasis;
• erythrasma;
• ringworm of the scalp (powder for external use, solution for external use, spray for external use).

Contraindications:

• lactation period;
• hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

With caution: children under one year old, 1st trimester of pregnancy.

Side effects: redness, skin irritation, burning sensation, allergic reactions, eczema, itching, vesicular rash, maceration, peeling, hyperemia; very rarely - the development of allergic dermatitis.

Pros:

• inexpensive;
• efficiency.

Minuses:

• the product is greasy and poorly absorbed;
• unpleasant odor;
• requires a long course of treatment;
• It doesn't help some.

Mikoket

The active ingredient of the ointment is ketoconazole. Thanks to this remedy, symptomatic improvement is observed quite quickly.

Directions for use: Apply once a day to the affected skin and the area immediately adjacent to it. Treatment usually lasts 3-4 weeks.

Indications:

• dermatomycosis of smooth skin;
• athlete's foot inguinal;
• epidermophytosis of the hands and feet;
• skin candidiasis;
• pityriasis (varicolored) lichen;
• seborrheic dermatitis caused by Pityrosporum ovale.

Contraindications: hypersensitivity to the components in the composition.

Side effects: irritation, burning, allergic reactions.

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Store at a temperature of 15 to 20 degrees!

Fundizol

The latest ointment for treating toenail fungus is Fundizol. An excellent product that effectively fights not only fungal infections of nails and skin, but also ingrown toenails.

Advantages of the drug:

• softens and removes the damaged part of the nail plate and the superficial affected layer of the epidermis damaged by the fungus;
• softens the skin of the feet, heals skin cracks;
• eliminates unpleasant foot odor;
• does not cause skin irritation;
• “dries out” skin rashes;
• prevents excessive foot sweating.

Contraindications: individual intolerance, pregnancy, lactation.

Side effects: allergic reactions.

How to use Fundizol cream for fungal nail infections is described in detail below.

2-3 times a day, Fundizol cream is applied in a thin layer to the skin of the feet (hands), interdigital spaces, and healthy nail plates. At the same time, healthy nails become elastic, turn pink and acquire shine. The skin softens, peeling stops, cracks heal, sweating and unpleasant foot odor decrease.

In addition, 2 times a day, the cream is applied to feet damaged by the fungus in a thick layer (on the nail and under the nail), covered with compress paper and fixed with an adhesive plaster for 4-6 hours (up to 8 hours). After 3-4 days, the damaged part of the nail plate begins to soften and peel off (the peeling part must be carefully cut off and filed with a file without injuring the skin).

After complete removal of the affected part of the nail (on average 4-8 weeks), the use of applications can be stopped, continuing daily treatment of nails and adjacent skin with Fundizol until the nail grows completely (1-2 times a day).

The part of the affected nail that has not peeled off within a month should not be forcibly removed. This is a healthy area of ​​the nail. If, after cutting off the affected part of the nail plate, the skin of the nail bed looks uneven (lumpy, covered with fibrous formations), this indicates that it is infected with a fungus. Continue treating the nail bed with Fundizol twice until it is cleansed (the affected skin becomes keratinized and exfoliates).

Very important! Throw away old socks, slippers and gloves after 3-4 weeks from the start of using Fundizol! They are more contaminated with fungal spores. We recommend that the inside of shoes be treated weekly with antiseptic solutions; bed linen and towels should be boiled regularly.

Subsequently, to prevent fungal infection (from shoes, gloves, underwear, etc.), we recommend preventive treatment of nails with Fundizol 1-2 times a week.

Pros:

• effective treatment;
• low price;
• absorbs well.

Minuses:

• It does not help in all cases; complex treatment is needed;
• not a fan of the smell;
• duration of therapy;
• small tube volume.

Scheme for using ointment for nail fungus

Treatment of nail fungus is often carried out at home. But therapy will not give the desired effect if you do not follow the recommendations.

1. The affected area must be prepared. For this purpose, the feet are steamed in a bath. It is prepared from salt and soda (2 tablespoons each) and 3.5 liters. water.

2. After 20 minutes of steaming, it is necessary to wipe the skin, and cut off the affected plate and file it on top and along the free edge.

3. Only after this can the medicine be applied. It is important to treat with a thin layer not only the plate itself, but also the periungual ridges (skin within a radius of 1 cm).

4. After treating the nails with the preparation, put on socks made of natural materials (wool, linen, cotton). Next, the ointment is aged and changed, focusing on the instructions.