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Antifungal polishes for nail health and beauty

Medical expert of the article

Surgeon, oncosurgeon
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025

Nail fungus is a common infectious disease that is not only aesthetically unsightly, but also a potentially dangerous health problem, since without the necessary treatment it can spread to the skin under the nail plate, causing eczema, and even lead to the loss of the nail.

There are several tens of thousands of different fungi on the planet, 500 of which pose a danger to human health. This is the reason for the wide prevalence of fungal diseases and means for their treatment, a striking example of which is antifungal nail polish.

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Why is nail fungus dangerous?

Before we start looking at various antifungal agents, we should understand how the fungus enters the body, what factors influence its spread, and how it manifests itself externally.

Fungi surround us everywhere, because there are significantly more of them than people on Earth. Some of them happily exist inside a person throughout life, while others, getting into the body, cause certain health disorders against the background of decreased immunity, for example, onychomycosis of the nails. The probability of infection with fungal diseases is always there, but the outbreak of infection occurs in the warm and humid season, since this is exactly what is needed for the development of fungus.

Nail fungus can be found in swimming pools, public showers and baths. Fungal infection occurs when wearing socks and shoes of a carrier of the infection, when using insufficiently disinfected manicure and pedicure tools. Some diseases, such as varicose veins, diabetes, etc., can provoke the development of a fungal infection on the feet. In all these cases, antifungal nail polish can serve if not as a preventive measure against fungal infection, then as a salvation from such an unpleasant fungal disease as onychomycosis, which affects the nails of the hands and feet, as well as some other fungal skin lesions.

Symptoms of a fungal infection include:

  • change of the nail surface from flat and smooth to wavy with longitudinal or transverse stripes,
  • change in nail color,
  • the appearance of unusual yellowness and spots on its surface,
  • thickening and destruction of the nail plate,
  • unpleasant smell.

It is these changes, after confirmation of the diagnosis by a dermatologist, that are indications for the use of antifungal nail polish. At the same time, the presence of even one of the listed symptoms may very likely indicate a fungal infection of the nail.

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Antifungal varnishes: properties and differences

Whatever the name of the antifungal nail polish, the action of these products is aimed at destroying the fungus by penetrating through the nail plate to the place where it spreads.

Lotseril is a liquid nail polish for external use with a pronounced antifungal effect. It is active against almost all fungi known to science. However, its use makes sense if the fungal infection has affected no more than 2/3 of the nail plate or as a preventive measure.

The pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of the drug consist in the fact that it has a dual effect on fungi: fungicidal, consisting in the destruction of the cellular structure of the fungus, and fungistatic - slowing down and stopping the development and spread of the fungus. The active substance of the varnish - amorolfine - penetrates through the keratinized areas of the nail to the nail bed, creating there the concentration necessary to destroy the fungus. At the same time, the entire nail plate now poses a danger to the existence of fungal bacteria. With this method of applying the drug, harm to the human body is minimal, since the product is practically not absorbed into the blood, but has a local effect.

Contraindications to the use of Lotseril varnish may be early childhood (effect unknown) and sensitivity to the drug. It is with the latter contraindication that the occurrence of allergic side effects is associated.

It is permissible to use antifungal nail polish during pregnancy, since there is virtually no risk to the fetus, so small is the amount of harmful substances that enter the mother's body. However, doctors do not recommend taking risks in a situation where the danger to the mother does not exceed the risk of pathologies in the fetus.

The use of the preparation does not require any specific skills, but it does require following certain rules. This is facilitated by the fact that the preparation comes with special files for single use, designed to treat the nail before covering it with varnish, cotton swabs with alcohol impregnation for cleaning and degreasing the prepared nail plate, and spatulas-applicators for applying varnish to the surface of the nail.

How to use: Before applying the medicinal varnish, carefully remove the affected areas of the nail with a nail file and treat with a cotton swab with alcohol. Now, without touching the top of the bottle, apply the antifungal drug directly to the nail with a spatula and leave to dry for 3-4 minutes. Do not forget to keep the bottle closed and throw away the swab after each use.

The procedure is carried out 1 or 2 times a week, with the full course of treatment lasting from 6 months for onychomycosis of the fingers to 1 year for fungal diseases of the toenails.

No clinically significant interactions of this drug with other drugs have been identified. No cases of drug overdose have been observed.

The shelf life of the antifungal nail polish Lotseril does not exceed 3 years from the date of manufacture, provided that the storage conditions of the drug are met: in a closed package at an air temperature of up to 30 o C.

An analogue of the varnish for the treatment of fungal infection "Lotseril" is a 5% drug "Oflomil" with the same main active ingredient in the composition of the product. It is noteworthy that even the configuration of both drugs is similar. They differ only in auxiliary substances. Nevertheless, according to reviews, the drugs are interchangeable. Some people are helped by "Lotseril", while others prefer "Oflomil".

Antifungal nail polish "Exoderil" is a fast-acting preparation with a pronounced fungicidal effect and a long shelf life (5 years). It simply kills fungal cells, and thus prevents its spread to other surfaces of the nail and skin around the nail plate. In addition, the varnish has excellent anti-inflammatory properties and is able to quickly eliminate itching and peeling of the skin around the nail. The first noticeable results of its action can be observed after 3-4 weeks from the start of use. And yet, a full course of treatment for fungus takes about 6 months.

Pharmacokinetics. The active substance of the drug - naftifine - penetrates into various layers of the skin and under the nail plate, where it forms a concentration sufficient to destroy various strains of fungal infection.

Treatment of onychomycosis for Exoderil is only one of the indications for use; in addition, it is used to treat some fungal diseases of the skin and scalp.

Unlike Lotseril, Exoderil does not include any additional nail care products. However, before applying the varnish for the first time, it is necessary to remove all areas of the nail damaged by fungus as thoroughly as possible using a nail file and scissors. Then apply the varnish to the clean, dry surface of the nail and a small area of skin around it. The application procedure should be carried out every day, 2 times a day.

Side effects of Exoderil are limited to local reactions of skin redness, mild burning and dry skin at the site of application, and they are not a reason to stop treatment. Contraindications to the use of this antifungal agent are due to insufficient information about its effect on certain categories of patients: children, pregnant women, nursing mothers. Those who have hypersensitivity to the components of the drug: naftifine and propylene glycol should also refuse to use Exoderil varnish. Such patients are not recommended to use this antifungal agent without prior consultation with a doctor.

"Batrafen" is an 8% antifungal agent with a broad spectrum of action. It is active against most types of fungi and pathogenic bacteria. The active substance, ciclopirox, has an effect on fungal cells that inhibits their development. By inhibiting the entry of substances necessary for the cell's vital activity and promoting their accelerated elimination, ciclopirox purposefully weakens the fungal cells, which leads to their death.

"Batrafen" is used strictly for the treatment of fungal nail diseases, regardless of the degree of infection. Its use implies care of the diseased nail according to a certain scheme. As in the first cases, treatment begins with the maximum removal of the affected part of the nail using scissors and creating a rough surface using a nail file. The varnish should be applied strictly to the prepared nail.

The scheme for using Batrafen varnish is as follows:

  • during the first month of treatment – once every 2 days,
  • in the second month – once every 3-4 days,
  • for the third and subsequent months – once every 7 days.

At the same time, do not forget to remove the overgrown part of the damaged nail with scissors every 6-7 days, having previously removed the medical coating. This can be done with a regular nail polish remover, or you can simply scrape the coating off the surface of the nail after taking a warm bath. It is not recommended to use cosmetics for painting nails during the period of treatment with Batrafen varnish.

The duration of fungal treatment will depend on the depth of the nail lesion and the extent of the infection. The maximum period of use of the drug is 6 months.

Side effects from the use of Batrafen varnish are extremely rare and are limited to local allergic reactions.

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Antifungal nail polishes with natural ingredients

"Demikten" is a relatively inexpensive antifungal drug on a natural basis. It is used both for the treatment of fungal infections and for the purpose of disease prevention when visiting a swimming pool, sauna and other similar public places.

The antifungal varnish "Demikten" is an effective and safe product with pronounced anti-inflammatory, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Its scope of action is not limited to the treatment of nail fungus. Indications for the use of "Demikten": various fungal diseases of the skin and mucous membranes, angular cheilitis, acne and pimples, skin damage in the form of wounds, cuts, burns, insect and animal bites. It is also used to get rid of unpleasant foot odor.

Treatment of onychomycosis with "Demicten" is carried out daily for 4-6 months. Before the first application of the product, it is necessary to prepare the nail, removing as much of the affected parts as possible and wiping it dry.

The varnish is applied to the nail in a thin layer. After 3-5 minutes, it forms a strong "breathing" protective film that prevents various infections from getting inside the nail, thereby providing a preventive effect.

Another feature of the antifungal varnish "Demikten" is that during treatment it is not forbidden to use cosmetic varnishes. They do not react with "Demikten" and do not reduce its effectiveness. Since this varnish is a natural remedy, there are no contraindications to its use during pregnancy, lactation and in childhood.

The antifungal varnish "Mikosan" differs from all the above-mentioned drugs in its therapeutic effect. The pharmacodynamics of the drug is such that it promotes rapid healing from such an unpleasant and destructive infection for the nail, attacking the fungus in two directions. On the one hand, it deprives the fungus of a nutrient medium, destroying protease enzymes that contribute to the destruction of the nail by the fungus and its further parasitism. On the other hand, the biologically active components of the drug affect the cell membrane of the fungus, disrupting its integrity. This leads to the inevitable death of cells and the attenuation of the fungal infection.

Like Demicten, Mikosan varnish forms a preventative film on the surface of the nail, protecting against both the penetration of fungal infection and its further spread.

The set of antifungal nail polish "Mikosan" includes the tube with emulsion, disposable nail files, a special brush for easy application of polish to nails.

At the very beginning of treatment and subsequently once a week, nails should be cleaned of fungal infections and varnish residues using the supplied nail files, which are then disposed of.

The duration of treatment with Mikosan with daily twice-daily application is from 3 to 5 weeks. Longer treatment requires repeated visits to the doctor.

Some features of the antifungal varnish "Mikosan" (absence of dyes and any smell in the composition of the preparation) allow it to be used without fear by allergy sufferers, diabetics and lung diseases. Allergic reactions in the form of unpleasant itching and redness occur extremely rarely in case of intolerance to the components of the preparation or with too sensitive skin of the hands and feet in the nail area.

Despite the fact that the main active components of Mikosan varnish are biologically active substances, this drug is still not recommended for use during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for the treatment of children under four years of age.

In order to protect your nails from fungal infection and make them strong and healthy, you can also purchase cosmetic varnish with protective properties Akileine Onykoleine based on natural essential oils with a bactericidal effect and a complex of vitamins for the strength and growth of nails. Daily use of this product will help strengthen your nails and provide them with constant protection from fungus.

Akileine Onykoleine varnish is not recommended for use by pregnant and lactating women, as well as children under 7 years of age. Avoid contact with damaged skin.

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Special instructions when using antifungal varnishes

The shelf life of most antifungal nail polishes is 3 years, after which they lose their therapeutic effect. But it should be taken into account that the shelf life of a once opened bottle or tube with a medicinal product is reduced to 6 months if air gets inside.

When treating a fungal infection with specialized varnishes, you need to use disposable aids: files and cotton swabs, which will help avoid the transfer of infection from one nail to another.

And one more important point. The fact that there have been no cases of overdose of medicinal varnishes to date, and these drugs are sold without a doctor's prescription, does not mean that you should become a pioneer and engage in uncontrolled use of drugs for a long time according to your own indications. Before using any antifungal varnish, you must carefully read the instructions for it and follow them exactly so as not to harm your body.

This is especially true for pregnant women. There are no contraindications to the use of antifungal nail polish during pregnancy and lactation. However, doctors do not recommend using any of the drugs without prior consultation due to insufficient study of its effect on fetal development.


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