Onychomycosis varnish, its types and effects

Healthy, beautiful nails are an integral part of the image of a well-groomed person. When greeting, the interlocutor pays attention to the hands during the handshake and unconsciously assesses their situation. This is why nail polish is recommended as a preventive and treatment for nail fungus.

How anti-mildew varnish works

Nail Polish Fights FungusOnce applied to nails, the effects of the treatment last for many days.Depending on the severity of the disease and the location of the fungal infection, doctors will recommend different methods and techniques to cure the fungus in the shortest possible time, depending on each specific situation. In the early stages of infection, it responds well to the application of a special antifungal varnish. The active ingredients of this composition penetrate deeply into the nail plate and can even kill fungal spores.When applied, the nail plate softens, thus improving the penetration of the treatment. After drying, the concentration of antifungal drugs in the affected tissue increased by 20% and continued for 7 days. The maximum concentration of active substances is reached on the seventh day of application of varnish on hands and on the fourteenth day of application of varnish on feet.Antifungal varnish manufacturers produce their products under different names, but the principle of operation of each product is the same. Therapeutic antifungal varnishes are actively used to eliminate onychomycosis and prevent recurrence of the disease. To prevent fungal infections, the use of such agents is also very effective.Nail fungus varnish can have an alcohol or oil base. Regardless of consistency, they are equally effective at inhibiting the spread of fungal infections. The main thing is to find out the type of pathogen in advance so that the active ingredient and its concentration can be correctly selected. Only in this case, the use of varnish will achieve the desired effect.The liquid consistency allows the varnish's active ingredients to penetrate into every micro-crack of the treated surface, delivering its most effective results even in the deepest layers of the nail plate. The active ingredients of varnish are most effective during the initial stages of the development of fungal infections. They destroy not only fungal cells but also their spores. After drying, the composition coats the nails with an imperceptible film, preventing the possibility of oxygen penetrating the remaining spores and thus rendering them unable to reproduce further.When caring for fungal-infected nails, separate tools must be strictly used and must be disinfected after each use. Otherwise, reinfection may occur.When treating onychomycosis, it should be taken into consideration that toenails accumulate many times more pharmaceutical substances than fingernails. It is also not advisable to use antifungal varnishes from different companies at the same time, as this leads to a decrease in antifungal effect and delays the treatment process.

The advantages and disadvantages of

Let’s consider all the positive and negative aspects of using nail polish to fight nail fungus. The treatment process itself requires initial preparation of the nails. Note that most often the fungus is diagnosed on the feet. This is because when wearing dirty, low-quality, or uncomfortable shoes, the feet are constantly exposed to moist, warm conditions, which in itself is conducive to fungal growth. Some of the most important disadvantages of antifungal varnish are their price and the lengthy foot preparation required before using the product. Cheap medications of this type may indicate that they are counterfeit, so you should not purchase them.During treatment, it is necessary to completely abandon the foot care routine (pedicure, nail polish, use of lotions and creams). These measures can exacerbate fungal growth and exacerbate the inflammatory process.Positive aspects include the product's effectiveness and ease of use in the early stages of fungal disease development. An important advantage of this form of antifungal medication is not only its ease of use, but also the formation of a durable film that "fixes" the active substance to the affected area and prevents it from being washed away.We can also add a full list of positive aspects of use:
  • Quickly attaches to nails;
  • Local effect, no additional medication required;
  • Minimal toxicity;
  • free sale;
  • Ease of use;
  • Has a preventive effect;
  • Exercise caution.

The correct way to use medicinal varnish

Before using any nail polish to treat toenail fungus, you need to prepare the infected surface. To do this, you need to wash your feet, preferably with laundry soap, and dry the skin with a natural cloth. If necessary, you can steam your nails in water mixed with celandine or propolis tincture (for additional disinfection).Next, you need to disinfect the nail surface and use a special file that comes with the varnish to clean the affected nail surface and shorten its length. Only after this can the varnish be applied.For those who are afraid of cleaning the nail plate themselves or do not want to remove it, there is an easier way to prepare the nails - a hygienic bath with a solution of soap and soda.Once preparation of the infected nail is complete, an antifungal agent can be applied. Experts recommend performing the procedure at least every seven days. Before reapplying varnish, the previous treatment layer must be removed using conventional solvents. The processing is carried out strictly according to the instructions provided with the kit, since each drug has its own nuances when used.

Which nail polish is better for onychomycosis – review of effective remedies

Many times, patients ask their doctors which varnish is most effective against fungus. Due to the individual characteristics of each person's body, the degree of infection, and the type of fungus causing it, it's impossible to recommend the best varnish to treat toenail fungus. Therefore, the same drug can behave completely differently in different situations. Below we have listed the most effective medications for fighting onychomycosis, but they should still be chosen individually.

Varnish containing the active ingredient amorolfine

This is one of the cheapest medications in the range of antifungal varnishes. Its price depends on where you buy it. The therapeutic effect of this varnish appears only in the initial stages of fungal development, when the nail has not yet lost its normal structure and more than one third of the nail plate is not affected. Otherwise, its use will be useless. During use, you may feel a slight burning sensation in the treatment area.

Varnish containing the active ingredient amorolfine hydrochloride

The same colorless varnish is applied in a thin layer after removing the upper cuticle from the nail plate. Varnish set includes disposable nail file (12 pieces), applicator, cleaning swab and spatula.If used correctly, this drug inhibits the synthesis of ergosterol. As a result of this failure, the processes initiated can have destructive effects on the vital activities of the fungal cell.The ingredients of the varnish quickly penetrate the treated nail plate, reaching maximum therapeutic effect after 24 hours. The active ingredient of the drug takes effect for 10 days after the first application of varnish. Varnish works best in the early stages of the disease. After applying the drug with a spatula, you must wait until the varnish is completely absorbed. A few minutes is enough. Next, wipe the spatula with an alcohol wipe (q-tip) and fold it into place.

Varnish containing the active ingredient amorolfine hydrochloride - 64. 0 mg

This varnish against toenail fungus works well even in advanced cases of the disease. But its price won't satisfy you. If you want to varnish it, it will cost a lot of money. The active ingredient Amorolfine effectively destroys yeast and mold. If the treatment regimen is strictly adhered to, unpleasant symptoms will quickly disappear and the mushrooms will be completely destroyed.This drug is often recommended as the most effective varnish against nail fungus. At the same time, it smells pleasant and eliminates inflammation, thereby reducing itching and flaking. The course of treatment is longer and can last up to 4-6 months or even up to a year in advanced cases.This tube of varnish comes with all the necessary accessories: wipes soaked in disinfectant, applicator and disposable nail file. Exfoliate the affected area of the nail with a file, degrease the surface with a napkin before applying the medication, then use an applicator to carefully distribute the product on the nail plate.

Varnish containing the active ingredient ciclopirox

How to Use Polish to Fight Nail FungusBefore applying medicated varnish, nails must be pretreatedThe main active ingredient, ciclopirox, has a broad spectrum of action and can destroy cells of various fungal pathogens. Can be used to treat mold, yeast, dermatophytes and other types of fungi and parasitic bacteria.The composition quickly penetrates into the deepest layers of the nail plate and nail bed and begins to actively destroy the fungus within a day of the first application.The application pattern of this varnish is somewhat different from other varnishes. Use the medication every two days for the first month. In the second month of treatment - twice a week. During the third month of treatment, one treatment per week is sufficient.Before applying nail polish, the affected nail surface must be thoroughly cleaned and trimmed to as long as possible with scissors. On the next application, remove the previous layer of varnish by scraping. The course of treatment should not exceed six months. It is best to go to the drug store to buy nail polish for onychomycosis. Do not trust dubious stalls and shops to avoid buying fake medicines, buy all medicines only from trustworthy places.

Side effects and contraindications

Even the best varnishes for treating onychomycosis on toes and hands have contraindications and adverse effects, so you should study this section of the article carefully. Antifungal varnish is a medical drug, therefore, like all drugs, it has many contraindications and possible adverse reactions.Contraindications include:
  • preschool age;
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding processes;
  • Personal intolerance to the products in antifungal varnishes;
Adverse reactions include:
  • Unpleasant burning sensation and redness at the application site (which will disappear on its own after a short period of time);
  • Development of contact dermatitis. This reaction may occur due to inaccurate distribution of the offending drug and its interaction with the delicate skin of the stratum corneum and periungual ridges.

Opinions about varnish

After reading several reviews of people who themselves have used varnishes to treat fungus, can one suggest which varnish is better for nail fungus and which varnish did not help them at all or caused additional inconvenience. You shouldn't blindly believe all reviews, but you can draw some conclusions about the treatment process.