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Health

Ointments and creams for toenail fungus

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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It is not always possible to insure against the appearance of nail fungus. It is transmitted from an infected person to a healthy one if personal hygiene rules are not observed, most often in public places. Its spores cannot be distinguished with the naked eye, so the fight against it is carried out blindly. A nail plate affected by fungus requires treatment. Traditionally, dermatologists prescribe complex therapy, an invariable component of which is an ointment or cream. The choice in pharmacies is quite large, the main thing is to buy an effective remedy that will help cope with the disease and will not cause complications.

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Indications for use

An ointment or cream for fungus is prescribed when there are obvious signs of damage to the nail plate, namely:

  • color changes to brown, gray, green, white, yellow, tan or black;
  • white spots appeared at the root of the nail, which gradually spread over its entire surface;
  • small depressions, transverse grooves, and stripes have formed on the nail plate;
  • a change in the shape of the nail is observed - it thickens and becomes covered with bumps;
  • nails are crumbling and peeling;
  • gradually atrophy and are rejected;
  • There is itching and pain around the affected area.

Release form

Ointment and cream for fungus are available in tubes with a volume of 20 ml.

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Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics

The mechanism of action of the ointment against fungus is that its active components harm the membranes of fungal cells, having a depressing effect on the production of ergosterol. In its absence, holes are formed in the cell wall and the essential components of fungal cells begin to flow out of them. As a result, they stop growing in the affected area and die, the negative effect on the nail plate ends. In general, this helps to get rid of the infection.

The ointment for fungus is applied to the surface of the nail and the skin around it. The components have the ability to penetrate the skin well, concentrating in its various layers. The drug is absorbed into the blood and remains in the human body for 48-72 hours.

Names of ointments and creams for nail fungus

  • Nizoral.
  • Lamisil.
  • Fungoterbin.
  • Atifin.
  • Candide.
  • Exoderil.
  • Lamitel.
  • Zalain.
  • Lycosporus.
  • Exiter.
  • Tebikur.
  • Mikospor.
  • Mycoterbin.
  • Fluconazole.
  • Terbinox.
  • Medofloran.
  • Terbinafine.
  • Iconazole.
  • Clotrimazole.
  • Unisan.
  • Binafin.
  • Lamican.
  • Onycho.
  • Tigal-sanovel.
  • Ungusan.
  • Exifin.

How to use ointments and creams for nail fungus

Before applying, the nail plate should be washed in a solution of laundry soap and baking soda, and allowed to dry. Apply a thin layer of ointment or cream to the infected area three times a day. The course of treatment is from one to two months to six months, depending on the degree of damage.

Using Ointments and Creams for Nail Fungus During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women become especially vulnerable. They also have fungal nail infections. You should not ignore this problem, nor should you postpone its treatment until after childbirth. Since there is a risk of infecting the child, and the treatment process is much more difficult for children. But most pharmaceutical drugs are contraindicated for women during pregnancy, since the effect of active components on fetal development has not been fully studied. If there is an urgent need, then an ointment for nail fungus is prescribed (Miconazole, Salicylic ointment).

Treatment should be carried out under strict medical supervision. But in most cases, dermatologists advise to refrain from using antifungal drugs and to carry out therapeutic measures only after childbirth and the end of the breastfeeding period. Then the child will be completely safe.

Contraindications for use

Despite the effectiveness of the ointment against fungus proven in practice, there are a number of restrictions on its use. Its use should be abandoned in the following cases:

  • allergy or sensitivity to any component of the drug;
  • pregnancy and lactation;
  • renal/hepatic failure;
  • presence of neoplasms;
  • metabolic disorders and endocrine diseases;
  • age under 12 years;
  • diseases of the blood vessels of the legs.

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Side effects

In most cases, the drug is well tolerated, but it can sometimes cause dry skin, redness and a burning sensation. If such symptoms occur, stop using the ointment and consult a doctor. Perhaps this product is not suitable for you and you need to replace it with one that will not cause a side effect.

Overdose

Cases of drug overdose are unlikely. If it is ingested, then pain in the abdomen may occur, liver dysfunction is observed, nausea occurs, followed by vomiting, dizziness, itching, redness are present.

Interactions with other drugs

No interactions with medications of other groups have been noted.

Storage conditions

Ointment and cream for fungus should be kept in the original packaging, in a place closed from sunlight, do not freeze. The air temperature should not be higher than 25 degrees. Limit access to strangers, especially children.

Best before date

The shelf life of the drug is two years. After the expiration date indicated on the package, it is better to stop using it.

Effective creams and ointments for toenail fungus

The pharmaceutical industry offers many drugs that will help get rid of nail fungus. Among them, experts have identified the most effective drugs:

"Canison". The main active component of the ointment is clotrimazone. It prevents the formation of ergosterol bonds, which ultimately leads to the destruction of fungal membranes and their death. Canison is spread on the affected nail and the skin around it three times a day.

"Mikospor". Its active component is bifonazole. The product effectively eliminates mold fungi, yeast-like fungi and dermatophytes from infected areas. A positive result will be noticeable in a few days.

"Exoderil". Is one of the popular ointments for nail fungus. Its mechanism of action extends to dermatophytes and yeast-like fungi. In a short time, it relieves inflammation on the skin around the nail and eliminates itching.

"Mikosan". This ointment has proven itself to be one of the effective means against fungus. The result will be noticeable in three to four days. The result of its use will be noticeable in two weeks.

After applying the ointment, a transparent film is formed that adheres tightly to the nail, which prevents the growth of fungus and its further spread. Promotes nail regrowth.

It is important to remember that it is forbidden to treat fungus on your own. Only a dermatologist can determine the extent of the disease and prescribe effective medications.

"Terbonafim". It is used to treat fungal infections of the nails, skin, skin infections caused by yeast fungi, to eliminate pityriasis versicolor. Its active component changes the process of biosynthesis in fungal cells and leads to their death. The duration of application of the ointment is from two weeks to a month.

"Candide cream" is an antifungal ointment. An excellent remedy for nail and skin lesions caused by dermatophytes, mold fungi, pityriasis versicolor and other infections of this series. The preparation easily penetrates the skin and reaches the required concentration for a positive effect. The course of treatment can take up to four weeks.

"Clotrimazole". The main component of the ointment is clotrimazole, which helps destroy fungal cells that are the source of infection. The ointment is characterized by a high degree of permeability, has antibacterial, antitrichomonal and antiamoebic effects. Apply for thirty days.

"Fundizol" is an effective drug in the treatment of fungal infections of the nail plates and skin lesions. It softens and painlessly removes the damaged part. Eliminates unpleasant odor. The course of treatment is up to two months.

"Zalain". Active ingredient - sertaconazole nitrate. It is intended for the treatment of fungal infections. The duration of use depends on the degree of damage. As a rule, a noticeable improvement is observed in the second week of treatment. To completely get rid of the fungus, you should use the ointment for a month.

"Nizoral" is an ointment, the active component of which is ketoconazole. The drug eliminates fungal infection by adversely affecting its structure. A positive factor is that it penetrates deeply into the skin, but does not enter the blood, which means it does not lead to a failure in the functioning of the body's systems and does not cause addiction.

"Lamisil" is an ointment against nail fungus. It not only suppresses fungal infection, but also has a softening effect, relieves irritation and inflammation of the skin around the affected area. It should be applied for at least seven days, since the disease may recur.

Chinese cream based on scorpion venom "Pihuan Sedu" - is intended for the treatment of fungal infections of nails and skin. It relieves inflammation and kills harmful bacteria, as well as their spores. With its help, you can not only get rid of the disease, but also avoid relapse.

It is important to remember that it is forbidden to treat fungus on your own. Only a dermatologist can determine the extent of the disease and prescribe effective medications.

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Inexpensive ointments and creams for toenail fungus

Nail fungus can occur in any person, regardless of their financial situation. Since the treatment process requires a lot of time and significant costs, patients tend to use drugs that are no less effective, but much cheaper than their advertised analogues.

Among them are: Terbinafine, Terbix, Terbinoks, Atifin, Exifin, Bifosin, Exoteril, Listerine, Ecodax, Triclosan, Gribkoset. Before use, you must consult a doctor, or at least study the instructions to determine whether this drug is suitable for you personally, otherwise it will only worsen the situation.

Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Ointments and creams for toenail fungus" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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