TOP 10 best remedies for toenail fungus - review 2021

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Among all fungal infections, the most dangerous are systemic mycoses, which affect the internal organs of a person and can lead to death. Such severe diseases often occur in HIV-infected patients in the AIDS stage, with profoundly impaired immunity. But even an ordinary, healthy person with a normal immune status can experience fungal infections of the skin, and especially the nails. These diseases are called onychomycosis, and they can be cured with the correct use of antifungal drugs (they are called fungicides, or antimycotics), and with careful adherence to the principles of secondary prevention.

The fact is that, located deep in the nail plate, the fungus is protected from all harmful factors. It has the most favorable conditions for growth and reproduction, especially when it comes to toenails. A person almost always wears closed shoes during the day, especially in winter. This gives the fungi the necessary darkness and absence of harmful ultraviolet radiation, moisture and excess nutrients. The nail plate also mechanically protects the fungus. All this makes the treatment of onychomycosis difficult, especially if the damage to the nail plate is significant, but there are no indications for nail removal yet.

There are various remedies, both for local and internal use, for the treatment of onychomycosis. Medicines taken orally must be prescribed by a dermatologist, taking into account indications and contraindications. But even local treatment should begin after an initial consultation with a specialist and taking nail discharge for analysis to confirm the diagnosis. This rating includes the most modern and popular means for treating nail fungus. But, before we begin the review of fungicidal agents, it is necessary to talk a little about antifungal ointments and creams.

Causes and symptoms of nail fungus

Fungal infection, or onychomycosis, is an infectious disease affecting the nail plate.

You can’t even imagine how many microscopic organisms live on us and inside us. If a person is examined under a powerful microscope, he will appear before us as a body literally teeming with all sorts of small nasty things. It’s better not to even look, so you don’t have nightmares later at night.

Provoking factors

As soon as the body’s protective functions fail, ever-present viruses and bacteria strive to conquer at least a piece of extra space for living - in favorable conditions they divide and multiply simply at a catastrophic speed. The harmful inhabitants of our skin - fungi of the genus Candida and red trichophytes - are not far behind everyone. With great pleasure, they settle in the microcracks of the nail bed and begin their vigorous activity.

The most interesting thing is that if a person is healthy and has good immunity, then no infection will take him, even if he does not take care of his nails and take preventive measures to prevent infection.

The fungus prefers to multiply where it is humid. Therefore, you will become infected faster in your own bath, rather than in a public pool, if you do not treat surfaces with antiseptics as often as possible.

After a shower, you should not splash your wet feet around the apartment - dry them thoroughly with a towel. And at the same time dry the rugs in the bathroom.

There is a myth that children do not become infected with fungus, but this is not true. They really are not at risk, since children's nails grow and change much faster than those of adults, but they can also catch an infection.

Popular myths

Let's dispel a few more myths and misconceptions.

1. If you come into contact with a person suffering from nail fungus, you will immediately become infected. No, it all depends on the immune system; not everyone can take root in the fungus, although anyone can be its carrier. In addition, this “beast” penetrates only through microtraumas, cracks, and scratches. Therefore, if you do not have tissue damage, then there is no need to worry.
2. The fungus is nothing and will go away on its own. Unfortunately, in 95% of cases, a fungal infection “devours” the nails at a tremendous speed and I do not agree to leave the “feeding trough” on my own.
3. To cure the disease, you need to remove the nail plate. And this is not true. In most cases, you can get rid of the fungus without resorting to drastic measures.

About two weeks pass from the moment of infection and the development of visible changes in the nails. When to start sounding the alarm?

Signs

The symptoms of the disease are as follows.

1. The color of my nails has changed.
2. Uneven surface, grooves.
3. Nails curl and crumble.
4. An unpleasant odor appears.
5. The nail plate has become thickened and is difficult to cut.
6. Toes itch and peel.

How long does treatment last?

1. If the edge of the nail is affected and the person comes to his senses in time and begins treatment, then the period of “expulsion” of the fungus lasts several weeks.
2. It was not possible to notice the problem in time, and the fungus has spread throughout the entire nail? Then prepare yourself mentally and financially for long-term treatment of several months. This is due to the rate of nail growth. You know how long this has been going on. But until a regrown healthy nail replaces the damaged one, don’t expect results. And even then, it is only possible with constant therapy. If you don't get treatment, you'll live with the fungus forever. Do you need it?

Treating chronic diseases and increasing immunity are important measures to prevent foot fungus

Chronic diseases, due to impaired immune reactions, insufficient blood flow and activity of metabolic processes, create conditions for the introduction of fungal infections into the skin of the foot and nail plates. The risk group includes patients with the following chronic diseases:

• Venous insufficiency
• Atherosclerosis of the vessels of the lower extremities
• Diabetes mellitus with severe microangiopathy
• Osteoarticular pathology
• Repeated microtraumas
• Excessive sweating
• Overweight
• Immunodeficiency states.

Different people have different susceptibility to fungi. Pathogens that can destroy nail keratin are usually located on initially damaged areas of the surface of the skin and nail plates and aggravate the course of chronic diseases.

Toxins, antibiotic-like substances released by fungi during their vital activity, significantly reduce immunity, cause severe allergic reactions and dysfunction of internal organs.

Forms of antifungal drugs

How to treat toenail fungus? The question is timely and relevant. First of all, go to the doctor so that he can prescribe you the correct and effective treatment. But it would be a good idea to understand the classification of remedies for onychomycosis.

What are they?

Local

If no more than a quarter of the nail plate is affected, then you can use external antifungal drugs.

Approximately 30-40% of people can be cured using topical antifugal drugs. They are most effective at the earliest stages of mycosis development. If the damage to the nails is already quite pronounced, then they will not help.

Lucky

A transparent substance that is applied to the nails. Due to the fact that the molecular weight is very low, the medicine penetrates quite deeply into the nail plate. The varnish is similar to ordinary cosmetic varnish, it is easy to apply and dries in just a couple of minutes. Very convenient to use.

Creams, ointments, gels

These remedies will be sufficient if no more than half of the nail plate is affected and the fungus has spread to no more than three toes.

How to treat toenail fungus?

1. Steam your nails by placing your feet in hot water.
2. Remove the overgrown edge.
3. Use a nail file to treat the entire surface of the nail, removing the top layer so that the ointment can be better absorbed. This manipulation allows you to lift all the scales of the nail plate and open the way for the medicine. This is a very important condition that doctors often forget to warn the patient about, who then wonders why the treatment did not help him.
4. Once inside, the ointment inhibits the activity of the harmful microorganism, destroying it from the inside. To ensure a long-lasting effect, you need to cover the nail with a band-aid until the next use of the medicine.
5. Carry out the procedure in the morning and evening.

Solutions

Unlike varnishes, the solution penetrates even more deeply into the nail tissue and destroys the fungus in the affected area to the best of its ability and strength. It is applied to the affected nail twice a day, covering the skin about one centimeter around. Before applying the product, do not forget to remove the stratum corneum using scissors and a nail file.

Systemic (tablets)

When local drugs do not help, the “heavy artillery” comes into play, consisting of antimycotics, which are prescribed as part of complex therapy for the treatment of fungal nail infections.

70% of all patients are cured with the help of tablets, but only if the nail is affected locally, that is, not completely. Tablets are almost always used together with ointments and other external agents.

Preventing nail plate infections

The disease, as we know, is easier to prevent than to subsequently carry out long, debilitating treatment. So, to prevent fungal infections, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

• Maintain normal immunity by consuming sufficient amounts of vitamins and microelements.
• When visiting public places (baths, saunas, gyms), have replacement shoes with you (do not use someone else’s).
• Always have a personal towel, washcloth and other personal hygiene items with you.
• After washing, dry your feet with a towel.
• Change socks and tights regularly.

The best remedies for nail fungus - a review of effective drugs

How to treat toenail fungus? We present the TOP 10 most popular products.

Exoderil cream

It is considered one of the leaders among antifungal agents. Probably because advertisements for this product are shown so often on TV that even small children remember its name.

The ointment helps to destroy the infection in the affected area, relieve itching and reduce inflammation.

Expectant and nursing mothers are unlucky; they should not use this drug so as not to harm the baby. In addition to them, allergy sufferers will have to look for another remedy if they are allergic to one of the components. And the cream should not be applied to the wound surface.

The average price is 780 rubles.

Lamisil tablets

Destroys fungus, suppressing its reproduction and fermentation. The metabolism of microorganisms is disrupted and the parasites die.

The duration of treatment is no more than two months, otherwise side effects may occur in the form of loss of appetite, stomach upset, changes in taste, and allergic reactions.

Expectant mothers can use the drug only as prescribed by a doctor and under strict supervision. Not recommended for those who suffer from liver disease.

The product can even be used to treat children from two years of age.

The medicine is quite expensive - the average cost is 2,085 rubles for just 14 tablets. This is enough for two weeks - one tablet per day is enough for an adult.

Nizoral cream 2% 15 g

The active ingredient, ketoconazole, has a wide spectrum of action and destroys many microorganisms, but most effectively “expels” yeast fungi. The positive effect becomes noticeable after one and a half to two weeks after regular use. After that, improvement can be recorded every day.

Approved for pregnant and lactating women.

The average price is 550 rubles.

Loceryl varnish

The active ingredient is amorolfine. Destroys dermatophytes, yeast and mold fungi even in hard-to-reach places. Very simple and easy to use. Suitable for both treatment and prevention.

Not recommended for children as specific clinical studies have not been conducted. Contraindicated for expectant mothers and nursing mothers.

The varnish is applied to the affected areas of the nails, previously treated with a nail file, 1-2 times a week. The packaging is enough for 75 applications - enough to treat nails for several months to six months.

The kit includes alcohol wipes and disposable files, which are intended exclusively for damaged nails.

The average price is 840 rubles.

Mycospor

Available in the form of an ointment or solution, it is a local antimycotic agent with a broad spectrum of action.

With its help you can “lime” the following types of fungus:

• yeast;
• moldy;
• dermatophytes.

It is not advisable to use it if you have allergies and is not recommended during breastfeeding, and is prohibited during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

The kit includes a scraper (file) that helps remove the top section of the nail for better penetration of the medicine.

The procedure must be carried out twice a day until the scraper stops removing damaged particles and the nail bed becomes smooth. Treatment takes from two weeks to a month at best and depends on the thickness of the nail and the extent of the lesion.

The average price is 1,250 rubles.

Diflucan

It is sold in capsules for only 410 rubles per piece and is prescribed for the systemic treatment of onychomycosis. It contains a powerful antimycotic agent - fluconazole. Helps even in advanced stages.

The dose is calculated for one capsule per month, the duration of treatment will be determined by the doctor.

Lamisil cream

An antifungal drug for external use is intended for the treatment and prevention of fungal infections caused by microorganisms of the genus Candida.

Apply a thin layer of cream to a previously cleaned and dried nail and the area of ​​skin around it, lightly rub in and cover with a bandage or gauze, especially at night.

As an independent remedy it is not effective, but in complex therapy it gives good results.

The average cost is 560 rubles.

Mikozan

The medicine is a serum of plant origin based on rye enzyme filtrate. When interacting with a fungus, it destroys its lipid membrane, which entails the death of the microorganism and prevents further reproduction and spread.

It is recommended to use daily in the morning and evening for a month, after which you need to reduce the use to once a day until a healthy nail grows completely. As a result, the duration of the course will be from three months to six months.

Pregnant women and children under four years of age are prohibited from using this product.

The average cost is 895 rubles.

Clotrimazole

Cream for external use. The cost of a tube is 150 rubles.

The active substance penetrates deeply and tries to expel the fungus from the nail plate, since it can kill almost all types of pathogenic fungi. To do this, it penetrates inside the microorganism, slows down its growth, damages the cell structure and destroys it.

It is better not to use the product at all in the first trimester of pregnancy, and to abstain in the subsequent period and during feeding.

Fluconazole

The product is available in 150 mg capsules, each of which costs around 7-10 rubles.

A fairly effective antifungal agent that can cure a person from harmful microorganisms. After treatment with this drug, the possibility of reinfection is rare. If the disease is advanced, it is better to combine taking capsules with external agents.

The drug has a very strong effect, so you need to strictly monitor the dosage - one capsule once a week until a healthy nail replaces the affected area.

Emergency precautions

Maintaining hygiene as a preventive measure against fungus will help protect against infection only if none of your family members suffer from dermatomycosis or onychomycosis. Otherwise, until this person recovers, emergency preventive measures must be followed:

• After each wash, you need to disinfect the bathroom; for this you can use very hot water and antiseptic soap;
• periodically soak all washcloths and sponges in a chloramine solution (5%);
• a sick person should regularly change underwear and socks, which should preferably be boiled for half an hour;
• floors should be washed a couple of times a week with a disinfectant, for example, bleach;
• if there is a porous mat in the bathroom, then it is better to replace it with a rubber or silicone product, which is better washed and disinfected;
• a sick person should have his own separate towel for his feet;
• Until the sick household member recovers, all other family members should use one of the medications listed above for prevention.

And finally, I would like to add that good prevention is the right choice of shoes. Give preference to products made from genuine leather. Shoes should not rub, constrain the foot or float. Do not wear damp, wet shoes on your feet. It must be thoroughly dried using special electric dryers.

Are folk remedies effective for nail fungus?

Nail fungus did not appear yesterday; people suffered from it even before the advent of modern pharmacology. And believe me, they were treated somehow. People are inventive creatures, using the gifts of nature, they tried in every possible way to get rid of the insatiable microscopic beast devouring their nails.

The action of all folk remedies is aimed at softening the nail plate and disinfecting the surface. It is difficult to say how effective they are, but since the recipes have existed for centuries, it means they have helped someone.

Want to experience it for yourself? Try it, but results are not guaranteed. In general, it is best to consult a doctor. Along with traditional medicine, he can also advise alternative methods.

The importance of consulting a doctor

Can I cure the fungus on my own or should I see a doctor? By the way, what specialist deals with this disease?

Treatment of nail fungus is the prerogative of a mycologist; it is he who determines the nature of the pathology, while a dermatologist specializes in skin diseases. But in the initial stages of the disease, you can turn to him - after an examination, the doctor will prescribe an effective remedy for toenail fungus or send the patient to a mycologist.

Do not delay your visit to the clinic. The fact is that the slightest delay can aggravate the situation and transfer the disease to an advanced stage, which is much more difficult and longer to treat.

Whether you have a fungus will be clear after a visual inspection, but it must be done by a specialist - you cannot do it yourself. Fungal infections are very easy to confuse with psoriasis, neurodermatitis and other skin diseases. When a person makes a diagnosis for himself and believes that he is sick with onychomycosis, he looks for antifungal drugs, which in the end may turn out to be absolutely useless due to an incorrect diagnosis.

To determine the nature of the pathogen, it is necessary to conduct laboratory tests, for which samples of pathological tissue are taken from the patient. Based on the diagnostic results, the doctor will make a conclusion, draw up an optimal treatment regimen and select the necessary medications.

If the tissues are seriously affected, treatment may take from several months to a year, and this is under the supervision of a specialist. Now think about how much self-medication will help you? Are you going to independently select antifungal drugs that are inexpensive but effective? And then, if they don’t help, switch to more expensive ones? Why experiment at random when you can visit a doctor who will prescribe the medicine you need?

He can start treatment with tablets that are taken orally, prescribe an ointment, gel, varnish, or even remove the nail plate, if indicated.

Prevention of onychomycosis

A strong immune system will not allow the fungus to spread and will neutralize it on its own. But it’s better not to hope for this and start fighting the disease before it appears:

• do not walk barefoot in the pool or on the beach;
• for saunas, choose closed shoes;
• choose socks from natural fabric;
• do not wear someone else's shoes;
• keep your feet dry.

Fungus is a difficult to treat, severe pathology that requires special attention. To determine which drug to use, you should consult a dermatologist. Your doctor will help you choose the best medication for onychomycosis.

Useful tips

In order to never contact a mycologist, you need to know the basic methods of preventing the disease.

1. Avoid visiting bathhouses, saunas, public showers, and swimming pools wearing someone else's shoes or barefoot. Personal slippers only! If possible, disinfect your toes after water procedures.
2. When you come to visit, you should not wear the slippers offered by the owners; it is better to walk barefoot.
3. Try not to buy shoes made of synthetic materials - your feet sweat much more when wearing them, which creates favorable conditions for the development of a fungal infection.

If you do catch such an unpleasant disease, then you should remember the rules.

1. You don’t have to throw away all your shoes; just treat them thoroughly with Chlorhexidine (sold at the pharmacy) or vinegar.
2. Disinfect bedding and clothing regularly.
3. Visit your doctor as soon as possible. Don't think that fungus can be cured by applying ointment or polish to your nails a couple of times. This is only possible in the initial stages, when only the edge of the nail plate is affected. Unfortunately, rarely does anyone notice the first signs of the disease.
4. Take treatment very seriously, do not let the disease progress, otherwise you risk taking a very long time to be treated. No foot baths made from herbal decoctions will help you - only special medications prescribed by a specialist after an examination.

Giving up bad habits is a significant contribution to the prevention of foot fungus

Bad habits (excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, drug addiction), improper wakefulness-sleep, work-rest patterns, inappropriate behavior in stressful situations usually lead to a serious decrease in immunity and poor circulation.

Unreasonable unbalanced nutrition, excessive consumption of light carbohydrates, physical inactivity lead to obesity.

Against the background of weakened immunity, poor circulation and obesity, a favorable climate is formed for infection and the development of infection into a generalized dangerous disease. This indicates an urgent need to give up bad habits.