Nail fungus varnish – is there any effect from the product? (Reliable)

The article was prepared by a specialist for informational purposes only. We urge you not to self-medicate. When the first symptoms appear, consult a doctor.

A fungal infection of the nail plate responds well to treatment at an early stage, but later, when the fungus spreads and begins to multiply in the internal environment of the body, it becomes difficult to remove it. In severe cases of onchomycosis, the use of local drugs is not enough; complex therapy includes systemic antifungal agents. (

Symptoms of the disease

Healthy nails have a pink color and a smooth, shiny surface. The presence of health problems is indicated by a change in one or more signs.

According to statistics, about half of all nail diseases are fungal infections.

Many patients believe that this is nothing more than an aesthetic defect. In fact, the pathology not only spoils the appearance of the nail plates, but also poses a danger to the entire body.

To eliminate the disease, long-term professional treatment will be required.

The first symptoms of the disease appear in the interdigital folds. In this area, peeling is observed, which is accompanied by itching and pain.

After this, blisters appear on the skin, which burst over time, leading to the formation of cracks and ulcers.

You shouldn’t assume that you just need to be patient a little and everything will go away on its own. If measures are not taken in time, the infection affects the nails and spreads to healthy tissue.

Dermatologist Samir Bashey

The main signs of fungus include:

• damage to the skin between the fingers;
• coarsening of the epidermis;
• severe itching, burning;
• fragility, thickening or thinning of the nail plates;
• skin redness, inflammation.

You can only get a fungal infection from an infected person. Pathogenic microorganisms enter the body through microcracks in the skin.

The reasons for their appearance are sand getting between the toes while on vacation, or the use of tight or uncomfortable shoes.

At risk are people with foot deformities, poor circulation in the lower extremities, excessive sweating of the feet, and excess weight.

The development of the disease can be caused by factors that reduce immunity, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and frequent stressful situations.

The greatest likelihood of infection is typical for public places: baths, showers, locker rooms, swimming pools. Increased humidity levels promote the proliferation of microorganisms. The infection is transmitted by shoes, manicure accessories, socks, and remains active in the beach sand for a long time.

Plastic surgeon Michael Sullivan

The disease significantly reduces the quality of life. Patients' nails crumble and change color, making it impossible to wear open sandals.

The skin between the fingers is constantly itching, which interferes with personal life, sports activities, proper rest, and communication with people. Suitable varnishes for nail fungus will help you get rid of negative symptoms.

Who is at risk of getting nail fungus?

People who:

• hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and, conversely, excessively dry skin;
• flat feet;
• corns, calluses, rough skin on the feet: fungal spores “love” to settle on old dead skin;
• excessive love for trim manicure. Excessive cutting of the cuticle makes it easier for the fungus to get inside;
• uncomfortable, overly closed shoes (for example, military personnel, athletes, police);
• rough skin;
• reduced immunity (taking antibiotics, corticosteroids and cytostatics).

Nail fungus varnish: features of action

Unlike solutions, ointments, patches and other topical agents, varnish is able to penetrate into the deep layers of nails, killing pathogens.

After a course of use of the drugs, the destruction of the nail plate stops, and the risk of the return of signs of pathology is reduced.

The effectiveness of the compositions is explained by a number of features:

1. Thanks to their liquid texture, the varnishes penetrate into microcracks located on the nails. Active substances destroy infection deep in the tissues, the keratin layer.
2. The ingredients that make up the medicine destroy enzymes and cell membranes of pathogenic microbes. Due to oil extracts and alcohol, nails become dry, which disrupts the favorable environment for the spread of fungus.
3. After the varnish dries, a thin film is formed on the nail plates, resistant to moisture. The surface does not allow air to pass through, prevents the penetration of infection and stops the spread of damage.

Reviews about the use of varnishes against nail fungus indicate the high effectiveness of modern drugs.

For a speedy recovery, experts recommend using complex therapy supplemented with systemic agents.

Advantages of varnish coating

Advantages of resistant agents over classical antifungal drugs:

• stable - the coating lasts for the whole day or several days;
• economical - affected nails are treated less frequently;
• comfortable - the products dry quickly, leave no odor, no burning sensation, and do not stain clothes;
• convenient - all auxiliary devices (files, sponges, brushes) are included with the solution itself;
• active - until it hardens, the varnish penetrates into the thickness of the nail through microcracks and pores;
• universal - the products have a fungicidal and antibacterial effect, and therefore prevent complications.

The varnish is more resistant to external influences

Separately, mention should be made of the functionality of antifungal varnishes. These drugs act against onychomycosis in several directions at once. Antifungal components destroy the membranes of microbes and their spores. Excipients create an airtight film on the surface of the nail. The lack of oxygen does not allow microorganisms that did not die under the influence of the drug to grow and multiply. A uniform coating instantly improves the aesthetic appearance of the nail - it becomes shiny, smooth, even. The maximum concentration of active components is achieved in the tissues of the plate within 48 hours and remains so for the entire duration of treatment. This is the key to complete destruction of the fungus and prevention of recurrence of infection.

Top 5 nail polishes for nail fungus

Antifungal varnishes are a common dosage form that is popular among patients.

Such drugs are produced by many pharmaceutical companies, Russian and foreign. A description of the means, their advantages and disadvantages will help you make your choice.

Oflomil (5 pluses)

The medicine has a powerful destructive effect on pathogenic microorganisms.

Active substances suppress the activity of the fungus and stop the spread of infection.

Among the advantages of the product are:

• liquid texture that penetrates deep into the nail plates;
• a protective film is formed on the treated surface, which blocks the proliferation of microbes;
• accelerated damage recovery;
• quick drying after application;
• Thanks to local application, the possibility of overdose is eliminated.

Oflomil is optimal for therapy and prevention, suitable for people who often visit public places where the risk of infection is especially high.

After one application of the product, the therapeutic effect lasts for 14 days.

The main disadvantage of varnish against nail fungus is the price, reaching up to 1200 rubles. The composition contains toxic ingredients, but in small quantities.

If the product accidentally comes into contact with the skin, irritation or allergies may occur.

The drug is not suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under 5 years of age. It is prohibited to use Oflomil together with other medications of similar effect.

Lamisil and its features

The varnish is suitable for the prevention and treatment of onychomycosis. Active components destroy pathogenic microflora, fight unpleasant odors, and restore attractiveness to the nail plates.

Among the advantages of the product are:

1. A wide range of varnishes with different colors, which makes affected nails more aesthetically pleasing during the treatment and recovery period.
2. The product includes alcohol-soaked tampons and nail files, which facilitate daily care procedures and prevent the addition of other infections.
3. Convenient use and storage.
4. The minimum number of contraindications, the drug is not suitable for children, pregnant and lactating women.

Among the disadvantages is the long period of use. To treat nail fungus on the hands, you need to use varnish for about 6 months, on the feet – up to 1 year.

The cost of the drug varies from 1200 to 1900 rubles. To obtain a pronounced positive effect, you will have to treat the affected areas with the composition at least 2 times a week.

Loceryl (7 benefits)

One of the most common remedies for the treatment of onychomycosis. Loceryl contains active substances that destroy different strains of fungi.

The advantages of the drug include:

• wide spectrum of action, high efficiency against all types of infection;
• The product includes files and discs necessary for the hygienic treatment of diseased nails;
• convenient use, protection against overdose;
• It will take no more than 7 minutes to dry completely;
• after using the medicine, you can apply decorative varnish to the nail plates;
• the effect of the active components lasts for 2 weeks;
• the drug is suitable for prophylactic purposes.

User reviews of this varnish for nail fungus indicate a high price in pharmacies - up to 2,700 rubles.

Disadvantages include the duration of therapy, pain when the product gets on the skin.

Loceryl is contraindicated for people with hypersensitivity to the ingredients included in the composition, as well as for women who are carrying or breastfeeding a child.

Batrafen - what's the point?

Antifungal agent with a wide spectrum of action and high penetrating properties.

The active substance ciclopirox is destructive for various types of fungi, quickly penetrates deep into tissues, and destroys the structure of pathogenic microorganisms.

The drug suppresses the spread of pathogenic bacteria and infectious agents. The advantages of Batrafen include:

• additional disinfecting effect;
• the liquid form of the drug allows the active ingredients to penetrate deep into the nail;
• Ease of use.

The use of Batrafen is advisable only in the initial stages of the development of pathology. After applying the product, do not use decorative varnish.

The composition has side effects: peeling, redness, burning of the skin next to the affected nail, the risk of allergic reactions.

Aflubin (4 clear advantages)

One of the most inexpensive and effective varnishes against nail fungus. Active substances affect fungal membranes and help reduce the activity of microorganisms.

Aflubin is detrimental to many common and rare infectious agents. Significant advantages of the drug include:

1. The varnish blocks the access of oxygen to the fungus, which contributes to its rapid death.
2. The product is suitable for the treatment and prevention of infection.
3. Guaranteed destruction of fungi, including during deep spread of infection.
4. Disinfecting effect.

Aflubin will not help get rid of advanced onychomycosis. In this case, complex therapy prescribed by a specialist will be required.

The varnish contains alcohol, which makes the drug unsuitable for treating children and women during pregnancy.

The drug can be used with caution by people suffering from alcoholism and epilepsy. Side effects include peeling, itching, and irritation of the skin near the treated nail.

Reviews from patients indicate that analogues of expensive varnishes for nail fungus cope with the disease no worse, but are distinguished by an affordable price.

The most effective are Demicten (from 350 rubles), Mycostop lotion (from 250 rubles), Belvedere varnish (from 100 rubles).

Why varnishes are more effective than solutions

A nutrient medium and a sufficient amount of oxygen are the key to active reproduction of the fungus and its rapid spread throughout healthy tissues. For effective treatment of onychomycosis, it is important to ensure long-term contact of the fungicidal component and the affected nail. Lucky is a relatively new development by pharmacists. The introduction of antifungal components into a special substance made it possible to create ideal preparations for the treatment of nail fungus.

The surface of the nail plate severely damaged by onychomycosis will need to be removed, since the varnish will not be able to penetrate its thickness. The use of varnish products is advisable for initial and moderately severe forms of pathology. Concentrated chemicals are effective if the nail is affected on 2/3 of the area. Naturally based substances are used for prevention and in the early stages of disease development.

Stages of development of nail fungus

To achieve a complete cure, it is important to use the varnish regularly. Skipping even a single treatment significantly reduces the concentration of the active substance in the plate, which is fraught with reactivation and development of fungal resistance. Stable coatings are also used for a long time, as products in the form of a gel or solution. The cure rate is the formation of a completely healthy nail plate. If the regrown nail shows signs of fungal infection, continue to use the product. The recovery period for onychomycosis on the fingers is 4-6 months. Treatment of the lower extremities can last up to a year.

Onychomycosis can be caused by various types of fungi. Therefore, fungicidal varnishes contain broad-spectrum components. They suppress the development of any type of mycobacteria. The drugs can be used for self-medication, because it is not necessary to do an analysis to identify the pathogen.

Antifungal varnishes are the best preventative against onychomycosis. They should be used regularly by persons visiting the swimming pool, baths, saunas, and solarium.

Question answer

Yes, they are great for preventative purposes. It is useful to use varnishes after treatment, this way you protect yourself from secondary infection. You can even paint your nails with regular polish on top.

Such varnishes cost a lot. For example, the price of ointments or various gels is much lower. This is perhaps the only negative.

It is worth consulting a doctor. But most varnishes are allowed during gestation. In this situation, when a fungus appears, doctors prescribe external remedies (ointments, creams and also varnishes).

Features of using varnishes

Before using the medications, you need to steam your feet and perform a hygienic pedicure.

It is useful to use baths with sea salt, which disinfect the skin and help prepare the nails for subsequent manipulations.

Next you need to follow the instructions:

1. The skin is carefully wiped, the nail plates are trimmed short.
2. Nails are treated with a file for deep penetration of drugs.
3. The affected areas are wiped with cotton wool soaked in an alcohol solution to degrease the surface.
4. The varnish is carefully distributed over the nail plates.

Some drugs can be applied only to diseased nails, others - to healthy ones, to ensure complete prevention.

Information about the features of use is always indicated in the instructions. For therapeutic purposes, the varnish is used in a course that lasts 3 months.

The frequency of use depends on the composition and manufacturer's recommendations. Consumer reviews will help you figure out which of the lags for toenail fungus is better.

Antifungal agents are medicinal, so they are used only after consulting a doctor.

Dermatologist Brian Chen

Varnishes have a liquid structure, so they are able to penetrate into the nail plate, destroying the infection deep in the tissues.

After drying, a protective thin film forms on the surface, blocking the access of oxygen, which negatively affects the life of fungi.

Most drugs not only fight the disease, but also improve the condition of the nails, giving them strength and a healthy appearance.

The applied medications are invisible, so they are suitable for prevention when visiting gyms, swimming pools, saunas and other public places.

Preparing to apply varnish

Varnish antifungal drugs can be used independently. However, before starting treatment, it is better to consult a dermatologist or mycologist. The specialist will assess the degree of neglect of the pathology. In some cases, special tablets should be taken in parallel with external agents.

Before starting treatment, you need to prepare - carry out the first fungicidal treatment of shoes. To do this, 2 lumps of cotton wool are moistened with Formdron solution and placed inside all the shoes that the person uses. Shoes, slippers and boots are placed in a bag and tied tightly. It is better to take the package out onto the balcony and leave it there all night. In the morning, the shoes are pulled out of the bag and the cotton wool is removed (it is better to immediately wrap it back in the bag and urgently take it out of the house). Shoes are placed in the sun or hung for airing. She should stay in the air for 3.5 hours.

To take care of yourself during treatment, the patient will need new cotton socks and a personal towel. After use, they should be washed immediately, dried thoroughly and ironed.

The preparation of the nails themselves for varnish treatment goes like this. The patient thoroughly washes his feet with antibacterial or laundry soap, using a brush to remove dust and dirt from the surface, as well as from under the free edge of the nail plates. After washing, the affected nails are steamed - placed for a quarter of an hour in a hot solution of soda and salt (1:2 per liter of water). After the bath, the feet are thoroughly dried. Softened nails are cut as short as possible. The surface should be treated with a regular file or the device provided in the kit.

Before applying polish, your feet should be steamed and cleaned.

It is strictly forbidden to treat healthy nails with the same file that was used to touch damaged nail plates. After each use, the device should be treated with an alcohol-based antiseptic.

In the early stages of onychomycosis, a file is used to simply remove the top lipid layer from the nail. This ensures strong adhesion between the plate and the treatment agent. If there is a pronounced change and thickening of the nail, the entire damaged part should be cut off. The patient’s task is to thin the nail as much as possible. After preparation, you need to use the alcohol wipes from the kit, or treat the plates with alcohol. The alcohol will degrease the surface to be treated, and the varnish will adhere better. Before applying the product, you must wait 2-3 minutes until all the alcohol has evaporated.

Reviews

YURIY, 36 YEARS OLD:

“Demikten, the most inexpensive and good varnish, helped me cope with toenail fungus. The medicine is convenient to use; one bottle is enough for the entire course of treatment. After a couple of weeks I noticed the first improvements.”

MARINA, 24 YEARS OLD:

“I encountered a fungus a few months ago when I started taking classes in the pool.
After some time, I noticed the first signs: cracks in my skin, an unpleasant odor, my nails looked terrible. I didn’t know which remedy would best treat the disease, so I consulted a doctor. He recommended Lamisil varnish.

I read reviews on the Internet about the quality, found out the price, then bought it and started using it. After a course of treatment, all symptoms of toenail fungus completely disappeared, hopefully forever.”

Treatment of onychomycosis

Currently, there is a wide selection of antifungal drugs for systemic and external action in various dosage forms. When recommending a treatment method to a patient, it is necessary first of all to take into account its effectiveness, safety, and method of application. Antifungal drugs with a fungicidal effect on various types of pathogens and the ability to accumulate in the nail matrix and nail bed are preferred.

When choosing a treatment method, it is necessary to take into account the type and shape of the lesion, the degree of spread, the duration of the disease, the rate of nail growth and the general condition of the patient (the presence of concomitant diseases, the state of the immune system, etc.).

Primary prevention

Aims to prevent fungal infection and includes:

• Maintain personal hygiene (foot skin).
• Use only your own shoes.
• Preventive use of local antifungal agents during regular visits to swimming pools, public showers, etc.
• Timely treatment of mycoses of the skin of the feet.

Secondary prevention

It is carried out in persons who have received treatment for onychomycosis and includes:

• Careful hygienic regime for the skin of the feet for a long time (2-3 months).
• Prophylactic use of topical antifungal agents after systemic treatment.
• Disinfection of shoes or replacing them with new ones.
• Increasing the body's resistance.

In case of onychomycosis, it is necessary to treat the skin around the nail with external antimycotic drugs for the purpose of treatment and prevention (prevent the spread of fungal infection to the skin).

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