18 best remedies for nail fungus
Nail fungus is a common problem. You can get infected in the pool, in the shower of a sports club, and even in an expensive beauty salon. Fungus-affected nails change color, becoming dull, gray-yellow, can thicken, or, conversely, become thinner and begin to crumble. The problem is not limited to just a cosmetic defect. Developing in the subungual space, the fungus is able to penetrate into the lymph flow, spread throughout the body, provoking general allergy.
Those who are faced with this disease will have to prepare for a long and painstaking treatment. It is necessary to treat nail fungus until a healthy nail plate grows back completely. With the defeat of the hands, it can take up to six months, the legs - up to a year.
Anti-fungal agents can be general or local. Drugs of general action are taken orally, local ones are applied to the affected nails. The use of local remedies is most effective if 1-2 nails are affected, and the area of spread of the fungus does not exceed 1/3 of the nail plate.
Before offering an overview of the best remedies for nail fungus, let us recall the general rules for their use.
- Treatment should be carried out daily (with the exception of varnishes, about them a little below).
- Before applying the product, you need to remove the affected area of the nail as much as possible. To remove, use a disposable or disinfected file.
- It is necessary to apply an anti-fungus agent not only on the nail itself, but also by capturing areas of the skin next to it (with the exception of products with urea).
- It is imperative to continue treatment until a clean, healthy nail is fully grown.
And now, as promised, let's talk about specific means.
There are contraindications. Check with your doctor.
The best cream against nail fungus
Cream products are not the most convenient way to treat nail fungus. The drug must be rubbed into the nail plate twice a day, which, taking into account the duration of treatment, becomes tiresome. After application, it is recommended to glue the nail with a plaster, so the cream will stay on the nail plate longer.
3 Terbinafine
The third line of our rating is occupied by Terbinafine, cream for external use 1%. The active ingredient of the drug - terbinafine - blocks the enzymes of the fungal cells, which causes their death. This tool has won the lasting love of buyers at a democratic price. Being a generic drug, that is, a copy of a medicine for which the patent has expired, terbinafine is 5-10 times more economical than the original, which is important, given the timing of the treatment of nail fungus. For the same reason, it is good to use it for prevention - by visiting swimming pools, shared showers. The downside of terbinafine, like any generic drug, is that the quality and effectiveness can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. The product cannot be used to treat children under 10 years of age, pregnant or lactating.
2 Lamisil
In second place among the best creams for nail fungus - Lamisil cream 1%. Available in tubes of 15 and 30 grams. The active ingredient in lamisil is terbinafine hydrochloride, which we have just described. Lamisil is an original drug. That is, it is produced by the very company that invented the substance and has passed all the necessary studies to prove its effectiveness. This is confirmed by numerous positive reviews from both doctors and patients. Proven efficiency and Swiss quality could have secured the first place for the product, but the high price makes it "move" on the pedestal.
There are many different remedies for the effective treatment of fungal nail diseases. They differ in the form of release, principle of action, active ingredient, composition, cost, method of application, etc.Some of them are intended for use at the initial stage of the spread of the infection, others at an advanced stage. We found out what pros and cons each type of antifungal agent has.
1 Exoderil
The original drug produced by the Austrian company Sandoz. The active ingredient is naftifine, which disrupts the structure of the wall of fungal cells, which causes their death. It has not only antifungal, but also anti-inflammatory and antipruritic activity, which can be important if the fungus has spread outside the nail. A white shiny cream with a weak characteristic odor is produced in tubes of 15 and 30 g. It has good reviews from practicing doctors. Included in the Federal Clinical Guidelines for the Treatment of Skin and Nail Fungus.
Contraindications for use are pregnancy and lactation.
Exoderil has its own mobile app. It tells you when to apply the product, allows you to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, to compare the condition of the nails.
Despite the relatively high (but still lower than that of lamisil) price, Exoderil, on the whole, is the best cream against nail fungus.
The best varnish against nail fungus
The most convenient form of nail fungus treatment. The varnish is applied 1, at least 2 times a week on the surface of the nail that is as clean as possible from the affected masses and degreased.
3 Demicten varnish
Among varnishes against nail fungus, a separate place is occupied by "Demicten". This product is suitable even for children and pregnant women, because produced on a natural basis. It is applied in small amounts to nails, feet and surrounding skin, forming a protective film. It serves as a kind of barrier to infections and bacteria. The action of the varnish is based on the activation of the growth of healthy cells and the stimulation of the immune system.
The tool has a powerful antiviral, bactericidal and antiseptic effect. A 35 g tube is enough for 2-3 months. The consistency of Demicten is reminiscent of glue - it is applied in a thin layer and dries quickly. Important advantages are: harmlessness, natural composition, high efficiency, optimal cost, excellent reviews. Disadvantages: Film may cause slight discomfort.
2 Oflomil varnish
Produced by the Indian company Glenmark. The active ingredient - amorolfine hydrochloride - damages the membrane of the fungus, causing its death. Penetrates into the subungual bed within 24 hours after application, the effective concentration lasts a week.
The product is sold as a kit. Each set contains 2.5 ml of nail polish, 6 applicators, 12 nail files, 12 sachets with tampons soaked in a degreasing and disinfecting solution. The varnish should be used once a week, based on this, 1 set is designed for 12 weeks of use. It is not recommended to use the product during pregnancy and while nursing.
As a generic drug, Oflomil has a relatively low price, about a quarter cheaper than the original drug. Despite this, in terms of price and duration of possible use, it is inferior to the competitor.
1 Lotseril varnish
Means of production of the French company Galderma. The active ingredient is amorolfine. As an original preparation, it has proven efficacy against nail fungus. Available in sets containing 2.5 or 5 ml of varnish.
The bottle containing 2.5 ml of nail polish includes 5 applicators, 15 nail files and 30 antiseptic tampons. Thus, costing a quarter more expensive than a competitor, Lotseril is designed for 15 weeks of use. That is, in terms of a week of use, the cost of treatment is approximately equal to that of a generic. But the original French quality allows the product to come out on top in terms of the combination of efficiency and price.
The best natural remedy for nail fungus
This category of funds can be suitable for those who, for some reason - temporary or permanent - cannot use synthetic antifungal drugs.Natural remedies are generally less convenient to use and do not always achieve the goal of completely eradicating nail fungus. Nevertheless, they also have their fans.
Natural remedies can be used without restrictions during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. They are also suitable for those who fundamentally do not want to use "chemistry". But those who are prone to allergies need to be especially careful. Natural remedies themselves are often allergenic, plus they require the use of a large amount of preservatives, which can also cause allergic reactions.
3 Gehwol Med Protective Nail and Skin Oil
Gehwol oil is one of the best remedies for combating fungal diseases on the nails. The main components are: wheat germ concentrate, chamomile plant extract, vitamin E, panthenol. Each of them is of great benefit to the affected areas, and together they effectively fight the fungus, return the nails to a healthy look, add shine, nourish and get rid of unpleasant odors.
For best results, apply a few drops of the oil and massage in for about two minutes. It comes in a 15 ml glass container and is consumed very slowly. The advantages include an excellent composition, a unique effect on the affected areas, excellent nail and cuticle care, convenient packaging. The disadvantage is the high price.
2 Stop-Active gel
The medicine contains mummy, a stream of beaver and stone oil. Mumiyo-asil has a disinfecting effect and relieves sweating, which indirectly stimulates the development of fungus (like any mushrooms, nail fungus loves moist heat). Beaver stream, or beaver musk extract, is a natural antiseptic. Stone oil, or white mummy, from the point of view of chemistry, is a complex of minerals with antiseptic properties. Thus, it is assumed that prolonged exposure to natural antiseptics will stop the development of the fungus. According to the instructions, you need to process not only the nail with the tool, but also the entire skin of the feet for a month. According to doctors, treatment for such a short period of time can get rid of the fungus from the skin, but not the nails.
Advantages: completely natural composition. Disadvantages: high price, possibility of allergies, not suitable for vegans (beaver spray cannot be obtained without killing the animal).
1 Nogtivitis
A product designed for mechanical removal of a nail affected by fungus. Before the era of synthetic antifungal drugs, complete surgical removal of the nail was the only way to get rid of the fungus. From this point of view, Nogtivit is a return to the roots, except that the removal of the nail is more gentle.
The product contains 20% urea and tea tree oil, plus excipients. The high concentration of urea allows you to soften the nail for painless removal, tea tree oil has a mild antiseptic effect. Reviews about this tool are contradictory. Someone was able to use it to remove the nail literally "to the meat", completely clearing the nail bed from the fungus, someone claims that an ordinary bath with soda softens nails no worse.
The best solutions against nail fungus
Using a solution against nail fungus is almost as convenient as using a varnish. "Almost" because the solution has to be used more often than varnish: 1-2 times a day. But the alcohol, in which the active substance is usually dissolved, quickly evaporates, the surface of the nail dries up, and there is no need to rub in the medicine and then glue the nail with a plaster. In this case, the active substance quickly penetrates the nail plate. Considering that literally 1-2 drops of liquid are required to process the nail, this form of antifungal agent is very economical.
3 Exoderil
The drug "Exoderil" is produced in the form of a solution, which must be applied to the affected area once or twice a day. The glass tube has a volume of 20 ml. The action is based on suppressing the activity of a certain enzyme, which slows down the synthesis of a substance that is part of the cell membrane of the fungus. To effectively combat the fungus, the drug is used for at least six months.
Consists of 3 components: ethanol, propylene glycol and water. The solution gets inside, creating antifungal concentrations. Relieves inflammation and relieves discomfort. One package is enough for several months. The advantages include effective fight against fungal infections, slow consumption, good reviews. Among the disadvantages are the presence of contraindications (pregnancy, childhood) and the high cost.
2 Nitrofungin
A solution of bright yellow color in a white glass bottle. The bright color of the product allows you to immediately see which part of the nail has already been treated. Chlornitrophenol - the active ingredient of nitrofungin - has not only antifungal effect, but also a bactericidal effect. In their reviews, patients talk about the good efficacy of the drug, the inexpensive price, and the ease of use. The relatively low price and low consumption would have made this remedy the leader of our rating, if not for one "but" - it cannot be used during pregnancy. The disadvantages also include side effects and staining the nail in a bright yellow color, which is not convenient when you go to public places (pool).
1 Mycospore
Solution for external use. The active ingredient - bifonazole - disrupts the functions of the membrane of the fungal cell, which leads to its death. The drug is practically not absorbed into the bloodstream, therefore it is allowed for use from the 2nd trimester of pregnancy. And this fact immediately makes Mikospor one of the leaders in our rating, since there are very few such agents that have proven effectiveness in the treatment of nail fungus. Mycospore is produced in Germany by Bayer. The vaunted German quality is on top here too, which is confirmed by numerous positive reviews of those who have tried this drug.
The best pills against nail fungus
Tablets against nail fungus are recommended for use at advanced stages of infection. They have the most powerful action and composition. Penetrating into the body, they have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. Convenient use is one of the advantages of tablets. Most often, these drugs should be used once a day or a month. But there are also disadvantages. Among them: the presence of a large number of contraindications and possible side effects.
3 Lamisil
"Lamisil" is one of the most popular medicines for nail fungus. The active ingredient here is terbinafine, which suppresses the development of infection in the early stages. The drug is produced in an English laboratory from the highest quality ingredients. The research carried out confirms its high efficiency.
One package contains 14 tablets, which are enough for two weeks of admission. Reviews indicate a good performance of the tool. Doctors recommend "Lamisil" for fungal diseases of any severity. It quickly returns a healthy look to the nails. Among the advantages are reliability, quick results, targeted effective action, excellent reviews and recommendations of doctors. Disadvantages: high price, availability of cheaper analogs.
2 Diflucan
The tablets against the fungus "Diflucan" contain a powerful active substance fluconazole, which can cope with even the most advanced infections on the legs. The drug is quickly absorbed (already after 30 minutes) and provides the best antifungal effect. Available in packs of 1 or 7 capsules. You only need to take one tablet a month. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the disease. Allowed for children over 3 years old.
Doctors often recommend starting this drug if you have nail fungus. It acts directly on the cell membranes of the infection, blocking the possibility of further spread. The main advantages can be considered active fast action, powerful components, effective elimination of the disease, positive reviews, the most convenient reception, the ability to be taken by children. Contraindications stand out from the disadvantages.
1 Terbinafine
Tablets "Terbinafin" actively affect the focus of the spread of fungal infection, quickly destroying it. They effectively fight any type of nail fungus. The drug has a convenient dosage - it is enough for adults to take 1 tablet per day. Available in packs of 14. "Terbinafine" consists of effective components.
A large number of buyers leave excellent reviews on the effectiveness of the drug. The first results are observed after a few weeks of admission. The advantages include: visible results, effective fight against infections, quick impact on the focus, optimal price, doctors' recommendations, convenient dosage. The disadvantages include: many contraindications and side effects.
The best ointments for nail fungus
Ointments for the treatment of toenail fungus are in high demand. They have a rather greasy consistency, contain petroleum jelly and have an excellent anti-inflammatory effect. Such funds are used at any stage of the spread of infection. Their main advantages are: low price and availability. The duration of treatment depends on individual characteristics. They practically have no contraindications. The rating includes the best ointments sweat of nail fungus.
3 Salicylic ointment
Salicylic ointment is the most affordable remedy in this category. It is 100% salicylic acid, which is a non-steroidal substance. Easy to use and effective against various fungal diseases. Experts recommend applying the ointment in the classical way or as a compress at night.
Available in jars of 100 g, which is enough for a long time. The drug has no contraindications and is harmless. It cannot be used as the sole treatment for toenail fungus. Salicylic ointment has an anti-inflammatory effect only at the initial stage of the lesion. Important advantages are safety, removal of inflammation, antibacterial effect, economical consumption, best price. Among the disadvantages should be highlighted low efficiency in deep lesions.
2 Clotrimazole
The ointment contains a highly effective substance clotrimazole, which acts on infection by disrupting cell synthesis. This leads to the rapid destruction of ties and the prevention of further spread of the infection. 20 grams or one package of the product is enough for a long time, because it should be applied in a thin layer. It has a powerful antibacterial effect.
The required dosage is about 3 times a day. Effectively copes with fungal infections of various sizes. It has practically no contraindications and is suitable even for children. The composition is supplemented with propylene glycol and nipagin. The advantages of the product include effective components, good results, safety, and slow consumption. No flaws were found.
1 Mycosan
"Mycosan" is a unique remedy for the treatment of nail fungus, which includes an ointment for external use and 10 special files of different sizes. Penetrating inside, the drug creates a protective barrier against various fungi, improves the density of the nail plate and effectively fights lesions. Allowed for children over 4 years old. The ointment is presented in the form of a 5 ml tube and is equipped with a convenient brush.
The file from the set is used once a week, and the product itself is applied in thin layers 2 times a day. Absorption occurs in 1-2 minutes. Experts recommend using "Mycosan" not only for treatment, but also for prevention.The advantages are: the most convenient use, high quality, special files included, fast absorption, reliability. The disadvantages include the high cost.
