In this article we focus on topical treatments for nail fungus infections (a nail disorder known in the medical community as Onychomycosis).  Topical treatment is by far the most popular approach to treating the disease.  This is due to the fact that while oral antifungal drugs do exist, recent clinical studies have highlighted a range of severe side effects associated with their use, including liver damage.  Prescribing doctors generally require their patients to undertake a series of parallel blood toxicity tests to ensure they remain within recommended safe levels.

The hardest form of nail fungus infections to treat are those where the fungus resides in a subungal position (i.e it is located underneath the nail, between the nail plate and the nail base).  In this position the fungus is ‘protected’ by the nail and it is hard to expose it to treatment.  If left to advance, the fungus can cause the nail to detach from the bed and ultimately fall off entirely.  More superficial forms of the disease are easier to treat and improvements can follow in just a few weeks.  As a general rule it is far easier to treat the fungus if the milky colored half moon section of the nail found at the cuticle end has not been affected.

We have outlined four popular topical treatments for nail fungus below.  But before making your decision consult with a qualified nail professional.  While the treatments outlined below offer different ingredient formulations, the major factor that will determine the success or failure of a particular treatment method is the extent to which you are able to stick to a consistent treatment routine over several weeks and months.  With most topical treatments requiring a twice daily application – once in the morning and again int he eventing – this can be difficult.  Its a good idea to track your progress using a series of monthly photographs or drawings to keep yourself motivated.

1) Fung Nail – The formulation used in Fung Nail uses undecylenic acid as its active ingredient.  This is a powerful antifungal drug that is highly effective at inhibiting fungal cell growth.  The treatment is applied using an application brush and the manufactures recommend focusing on the skin around the nails, the cuticle area and underneath the tip of the nail (see article for more).

2) Mycocide – Using benzalkonium chloride as its primary active ingredient, Mycocide is applied using an innovative dropper tip.  This may reduce the risk of re-infection.  Most pharmacies sell the product with two coarse grinders which should be used to scrape away (‘debride’) the surface layers of nail above the fungus, prior to each application.

3) Tineacide – Also containing undecylenic acid, but this time blended with an emollient base, this product has been designed to treat all types of skin and nail fungus.  The emollients are designed to help the antifungal medication penetrate as deeply as possible into the nail.  It is crucial to stick to a regular, twice daily, application.

4) Loceryl – The active ingredient used in Loceryl is a medical strength antifungal drug called amorolfine.  And unlike most topical treatments, only a weekly application is required.  The drug dries over the surface of the nail and forms a reservoir containing the antifungal agents which then slowly seep into the nail to reach the fungus and destroy it.