12 best remedies for nail fungus

Every year, thousands of people suffer from fungal pathology that affects the nails. The initial stage of the disease proceeds imperceptibly, a little later there are signs of inflammation and itching. The disease is rapidly progressing, and you cannot do without medication. And here a natural question arises: which drugs cope with the infection most effectively? Antifungal agents come in a wide variety, so the choice will be difficult. The best remedies for toenail fungus are presented in our 2020 ranking.

There are contraindications. Consult a physician before use.

Briefly about onychomycosis (where can you get infected?)

Onychomycosis is an infection of the nail plate by parasitic fungi. Among the parasitic forms, microsporia and dermatophytes are most often found. Various forms of pathology are known, but Russian doctors distinguish hypertrophic, atrophic and normotrophic onychomycosis. The difference between these varieties lies in the degree of deformation of the nail and the presence of other unpleasant symptoms.

A warm and humid environment is required for the disease to develop successfully. In adults, the disease occurs more often than in the younger generation. This is due to age characteristics. We list the possible causes of the appearance of the fungus:

1. Secondary infection - proceeds against the background of psoriasis, diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency, obesity and taking certain groups of drugs.
2. Working space - metallurgists and miners fall into the risk zone, which is explained by the temperature regime, dustiness and gas content of the premises.
3. Stay in locations with high traffic - swimming pools and saunas, nail salons, sanatoriums, gyms.
4. Sports activities - changing rooms and showers are very humid, which can contribute to the spread of harmful microflora.

The best creams and ointments from the fungus according to reviews

From the point of view of comfort, the cream is not the best solution for the sick person. Rubbing in are carried out twice a day, and the therapeutic course can take a long time. The nail itself is sealed with an adhesive plaster, which allows the medicine to remain in the affected area longer. The advantage is that the substances act locally and do not affect all body systems. What is the best ointment for fungus?

5 Salicylic ointment

An ointment is produced in the Russian Tula and is considered almost the most budgetary substance recommended by doctors for fungal infections. For a 100-gram bottle, you will pay 30-40 rubles, which is very cheap. The active ingredient is salicylic acid. The product is spread in a standard way, but some patients prefer night compresses. The effect can hardly be called long-term - positive changes will be felt only at the beginning of the course of the disease.

Do not forget about contraindications - these include hypersensitivity and childhood. Such jars are sold in all Russian pharmacies, so there will be no problems with the search. You also don't need a doctor's prescription, as overdoses do not lead to significant disruptions in the body. Salicylic ointment is an effective and rather primitive product, but it must be applied immediately after the detection of the fungus.

Pros:

• Ease of application
• Low cost
• Anti-inflammatory properties
• Economical consumption
• Minimum side effects

Minuses:

• Efficiency in the later stages of onychomycosis is zero
• Cannot be combined with zinc oxide and resorcinol
• Children are not discharged

4 Econazole gel

A powerful antifungal drug derived from imidazole. The action is based on inhibition of the synthesis of styrenes, which are responsible for the permeability of fungal cell walls.Along the way, the production of phospholipids and triglycerides is inhibited. Oxidative parasitic activity is disrupted, which prevents cell necrosis. The gel penetrates into organic tissues very quickly, so you will notice a positive result. Contraindications include hypersensitivity.

Interesting fact: there are no restrictions for pregnant women and nursing mothers. But there is a minor side effect. The most common local reactions are itching, burning, dryness and redness of the skin. Prolonged use can lead to skin atrophy. Clinical trials have revealed an isolated case of an itchy rash. Three percent of the subjects complained of a tingling sensation in the area where the gel was applied. There is no information on overdose.

Pros:

• Fast effect
• Availability
• An insignificant side effect
• Pregnancy and lactation are not contraindications

Minuses:

• Burning and itching
• Harmful to mucous membranes (the gel should not get into the eyes)

3 Clotrimazole ointment

A relatively new product on the domestic pharmaceutical market, but managed to earn a lot of positive reviews. Note that the ointment is produced by several companies, the best is the Medana brand. The substance is sold in the form of creams and solutions. The active ingredient is clotrimazole, synthesized by scientists specifically to combat fungal diseases. The drug protects the nail from parasites and promotes gradual tissue regeneration.

The type of fungal infection is not so important - before you is a universal remedy that deals with any parasitic formations. Bad smell is also removed. Before applying the ointment, steam the affected areas thoroughly. The operation is performed twice a day. The course lasts an average of 2-4 weeks.

Pros:

• Budget cost
• Economical consumption
• High performance
• Ease of use
• Care of nail plates
• Nice smell

Minuses:

• Prolonged therapeutic course
• There are contraindications (so it is worth going to the doctor before buying)

2 Lamisil

The best cream for toenail fungus is Lamisil. It is sold in blue tubes of 15 or 30 grams. The active substance is terbinafine hydrochloride. Most notably, the drug is marketed by the company that synthesized the main component. All clinical studies have been passed, the effectiveness of the cream has been proven in experimental laboratories. The fact is confirmed by the abundance of positive feedback from patients. Experts also speak positively about Lamisil.

Note that the drug is also sold in the form of varnish, solution and even spray. The minimum course duration is one to two weeks. This is enough to cope with the pathology at the initial stage. An additional bonus is the softening of the skin, getting rid of dying cells and a positive effect on the nail plate in general. Regular use of Lamisil will lead to the fact that you completely get rid of the disease. You will have to pay about 600 rubles for the cream - many think that this is an overpriced.

Pros:

• High degree of efficiency
• You will notice the first improvements in two weeks.
• The medicine prevents secondary infection

Minuses:

• Contraindications - lactation and pregnancy
• Overpriced
• Age restrictions - 12+

1 Exoderil cream

With mycosis of feet and nails, Exoderil is an irreplaceable thing. The product is sold in 15-gram aluminum tubes at a very reasonable price - 400-500 rubles. For a 30-gram tube, you will have to pay 640-780 rubles. The active substance is niftifine, which gradually accumulates in the infected nail plates and destroys the infection at the highest concentration. Additional components prevent the penetration of the fungus into the tissue.

Contraindications traditionally include lactation and pregnancy.Doctors speak positively about the drug. The side effect is reduced to minor local reactions - burning, redness and dryness of the skin. It is enough to apply the cream to the affected area once a day. Before that, you should wash your nails and dry them thoroughly. Exoderil is ideal especially for the nail plates on the hands.

Pros:

• Secondary infection is extremely rare.
• Inflammatory processes are localized
• Itching disappears

Minuses:

• There are contraindications
• No clinical trial information available

The best varnishes from the fungus according to reviews

According to the level of comfort, the varnish is considered the optimal solution - it does not leave marks, acts cumulatively and gradually strengthens the structure of the nail. The course of treatment is usually within a week, which attracts many buyers. You will have to apply varnish 1-2 times throughout the day. The downside is that the nail will need to be degreased and cleaned of fungal layers. Further manipulations follow the instructions. Which varnish is better for fungus? Let's see the TOP of the best tools according to user reviews.

3 Varnish Oflomil

This popular varnish is produced by the Indian company "Glenmark". The set contains not only a bottle of varnish, but also important auxiliary accessories - cotton swabs, nail files, bags for evaporation. The active substance is amorolfine hydrochloride. Efficiency is achieved through damage to the fungal membranes, which leads to the death of parasites. The varnish is able to penetrate under the nail, and the healing properties persist for a week.

The drug is easy to use, since the tampons are impregnated with a special solution - disinfecting and degreasing the treated tissue. One treatment per week is enough to successfully cope with the disease. The math is simple: Buying one kit will provide you with a medication for three whole months. The peculiarity of the varnish is that decorative varnishes can be applied over Oflomil, but before that there is a ten-minute wait. The average therapeutic course is 3-6 months. Occasionally, treatment is extended for a year (advanced cases).

Pros:

• Ease of use
• Compatibility with cosmetic varnishes
• No smell
• Preventive use
• Complete set of accessories

Minuses:

• The varnish is quite expensive
• Not enough applicators
• Cap is difficult to open
• Oflomil does not work against some fungal infections

2 Lac Batrafen

Powerful German remedy with 8% ciclopirox solution. Given the class of the drug, the cost of 2300 rubles will not significantly hit the pocket. The matter is not limited to treatment - Batrafen is actively used for preventive reasons. Apply a thin layer of varnish to the surface to be treated. One procedure is enough within 48 hours. Don't forget about preparation: before applying the product, the part of the nail plate damaged by the fungus is cut off.

The accumulated varnish layers must be removed daily using standard cosmetics. The number of treatments will decrease after the first signs of recovery. Cyclopirox has powerful antibacterial properties and is able to resist the spread of microorganisms. The number of contraindications is minimal - the drug is not recommended exclusively for patients with individual intolerance to the main component.

Pros:

• Successfully counteracts any fungal infections
• Ease of use

Minuses:

• Clinical studies have not been conducted with lactating and pregnant women, as well as with children
• Lack of a complete set of accessories

1 Varnish Lotseril

The best varnish for toenail fungus is Lotseril. It is produced by the French pharmaceutical company Galderma, and amorolfine acts as an active substance. The drug is original, tested in laboratory conditions and well-proven by consumers.Known sets with bottles of 5 and 2.5 milliliters. The liquid is colorless and transparent, its action has a pronounced fungicidal orientation - it damages fungal cell membranes and interferes with the production of sterols.

The set you find in the box contains 15 nail files, 30 antiseptic swabs and five applicators. French varnish is one of the more expensive niche products. The course of treatment is extended for four months, which causes dissatisfaction among some clients. The surface of the nail will have to be cleaned and degreased before applying the layer. Drying takes only 3 minutes. Among the contraindications, we note lactation and pregnancy. As for children, clinical trials have not been carried out on this group of patients, so it makes sense to think about an alternative solution.

Pros:

• High degree of efficiency
• There is almost no side effect
• Ease of use

Minuses:

• Penetration is poor
• Deep lesions are not treatable
• If the focus of infection is hidden under the nail, the varnish is powerless.
• High price

The best pills for fungus according to reviews

If the stage of the fungal infection is neglected, it is worth considering the tableted medicinal forms. Such funds have a powerful complex effect on the entire body, so they should not be overused. Anti-inflammatory properties and ease of use are the main advantages of the tablets. The disadvantages include an extended range of contraindications and side effects. What are some good pills for fungus?

4 Ketoconazole

The drug is sold in several formats - pills, shampoo, cream and capsules. The active substance copes with both systemic and superficial mycoses, infections of the gastrointestinal tract, mouth and scalp. Oral use allows you to achieve the highest degree of effectiveness. It is enough to take one tablet daily for one and a half months to solve the problem. Sometimes the course is stretched for two months - this applies to chronic candidiasis and systemic mycoses.

Overdose cases are unknown, but there were some side effects. Violations of the vestibular apparatus, a decrease in libido, liver disorders, arthralgias and dyspeptic reactions occur. There is no information about the safety of the drug for pregnant women, so it's best not to risk it. Contraindications include allergic reactions to individual components, hepatic and renal dysfunction.

Pros:

• Universal focus
• Proven effectiveness
• Works with low immunological resistance

Minuses:

• Do not take if you have liver or kidney problems
• The likelihood of side effects

3 Diflucan

The box contains exactly one 150 mg capsule with fluconazole as the active ingredient. This substance is able to defeat even deep and advanced infection. The medicine is absorbed into the blood in literally 30 minutes, and one pill will be enough for you for a four-week period. Complex pathologies require long-term therapeutic intervention - in such cases, it is better to purchase packs with seven pills. Age restrictions affect only three-year-old babies.

Fungal infections are the main indication for taking Diflucan. The effectiveness of the capsules is based on the interaction of the active ingredient with the membranes of infected cells. Fluconazole prevents the reproduction of pathogenic microflora, localizes and destroys the infection.

Pros:

• Fast results
• Positive reviews
• Comfortable operation

Minuses:

• The presence of contraindications
• Duration of therapy
• Age restrictions

2 Fluconazole

The medicine is produced by the Vertex company and is considered one of the most effective today. The package contains one capsule weighing 150 mg. Almost a third of this mass is accounted for by the active component.It also contains starch, anhydrous silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, gelatin and Sunset dye. Fluconazole inhibits the activity of fungal enzymes and blocks the production of ergosterol. The cell membrane becomes permeable, its replication gradually stops. The bioavailability of the tablet is 90%.

Before us is a medicine of a wide range of applications. The tablets cope not only with fungal infections of the nail plates, but also with other hostile microflora. The course stretches for 6-8 weeks, and the daily rate is 200 milligrams. Contraindications include renal and hepatic failure, alcoholism and individual intolerance to the components. The age limit is up to 4 years old. It is not recommended to use Fluconazole in conjunction with terfenadine.

Pros:

• Nice price
• Mass availability
• Ease of use
• Universal focus

Minuses:

• Duration of the therapeutic course
• An extensive list of contraindications
• Unpleasant side effects
• The need for medical advice

1 Terbinafine

The best tablets for toenail fungus are Terbinafine. It is produced in tablet form, but a cream with the active substance of the same name is also known. Before us is a synthetic version of allylamine. The range of application is quite wide - you can treat not only nail infections, but also fungal diseases of hair and skin. The drug also successfully copes with dermatophytes and yeast mycoses, and this makes Terbinafine the undisputed leader of our rating. The action is based on the ability of the substance to penetrate into the parasitic cell and suppress sterol synthesis. Lack of ergosterol leads to the death of fungal growth.

The bioavailability of the tablets is average - 40%, but the substance quickly penetrates into the dermal layer. If onychomycosis is triggered by dermatophytes, you have found the right medicine. Often, the drug is prescribed by specialists for prophylactic purposes. Standard contraindications - hypersensitivity, renal and hepatic pathologies, lupus erythematosus, psoriasis. The list is small, which makes the tablets very popular.

Pros:

• No ban on admission during pregnancy
• Moderate and even mild side effects
• Versatility
• Acceptable price

Minuses:

• Should not be consumed during lactation
• Overdose probability

How to properly treat nail fungus?

A dermatologist or a mycologist diagnoses the disease - you should not engage in independent "research". Follow-up therapy should be based on medical advice. The initial stages of the disease involve the treatment of affected surfaces with varnishes, solutions and ointments. If there is no positive dynamics, antimycotics will be used. The therapy should be comprehensive, therefore, the infected areas are treated with tinctures (tea tree, propolis). Baths with soda, chamomile, St. John's wort and yarrow are welcome. You should also think about your diet, including in it:

1. Berries and fruits (citrus fruits, lingonberries, cranberries and currants).
2. Cheese and dairy products, as well as eggs with milk.
3. Liquid food (vegetable soups, meat broths).
4. Pickled and fresh vegetables.
5. Soy products.
6. Fish and seafood.

The main task of the therapist is to start the internal mechanisms of the struggle of your body. Therefore, complex treatment is based on the regular intake of nutrients. The consumption of pasta, sugar, baked goods and white bread will need to be reduced or completely stopped. Fast carbohydrates are a taboo for someone with mycosis. Natural creams based on propolis, beesworm, cedar resin are also recommended. Follow these recommendations - and you can quickly get rid of the infection.