Antifungal Nail Creams

A fungal nail infection can also infect the skin (or vice versa), so often goes hand-in-hand (pardon the pun) with athlete’s foot, a fungal infection between toes and on the soles of the feet.

If this is the case, you should get this treated at the same time as your nails. Your pharmacist can help in the first instance, suggesting an antifungal nail cream or lacquer (such as Curanail, and a nail softening cream. Be warned, it’s a long game and aims to remove the infected nail or halt the spread of infection until it grows out.

Athlete’s foot, and to a lesser extent fungal nail infection – can spread by sharing towels, bed linen, shoes and nail clippers or scissors. You should wear shoes or sandals in communal areas such as changing rooms, especially if the floors are warm and moist.

Keep feet well-aired and avoid shoes that make them feel hot and sweaty. Try to keep your nails as short as possible.

Nail fungal infections can be stubborn and challenging to treat, but creams and lacquers are available to help manage the infection and restore the health of your nails. Here's a closer look at how these treatments work and what you should know about them.

Nail Creams

Topical creams designed for fungal nail infections usually contain antifungal agents like clotrimazole, terbinafine, or ketoconazole. These creams are typically used to treat mild to moderate nail fungal infections. The cream is applied directly to the affected nail and surrounding skin.

While effective, nail creams generally show slower results because they only treat the nail's surface. The infection may not penetrate deep enough for the cream to clear it, especially in more severe cases fully. Additionally, fungal nail infections often affect the hard, keratin-rich surface of the nail, making it harder for the cream to reach the infection.

Nail Lacquers

Nail lacquers, such as amorolfine, are a more targeted treatment for fungal nail infections. These lacquer-style treatments are applied directly to the infected nail and form a thin protective layer. Over time, the lacquer penetrates the nail to treat the fungus underneath.

Amorolfine nail lacquer is one of the most commonly recommended options for fungal nail infections. It is effective against a variety of fungi and is applied once or twice a week. To eradicate the infection completely, it’s important to keep using it as directed for several months. This treatment can work well for mild to moderate cases, especially if the infection is limited to just one or two nails.

When to Use Creams vs. Lacquers

Nail lacquers tend to be more effective for fungal nail infections, especially for those that affect the visible nail. Creams may be appropriate for infections that have spread to the skin around the nail but are less likely to clear deep, persistent infections in the nail itself.

Oral antifungal medications such as terbinafine may be necessary for severe infections or those that don’t respond to topical treatments. These tablets can work from the inside out, helping to clear infections that topical treatments can't fully address.

How to Apply Nail Lacquers and Creams

Clean and dry the affected nail before applying any treatment for the best results. Nail lacquers should be applied with the included applicator, usually once a week or as recommended. You should also trim and file the infected nail regularly to allow the medication to penetrate more effectively. For creams, a thin layer should be applied directly to the infected area, often twice a day, until the infection clears.

Patience is key with nail treatments, as a fungal nail infection can take several months to resolve fully. This is because the nail grows slowly, and it can take time for the healthy nail to replace the infected one.

If your nail infection does not improve or if it worsens, consult a doctor to discuss stronger treatments, including oral antifungal medications.

If the base of the nail bed (known as the lunula) is affected, or if you have more than a few fingers and toes affected, it may be worth speaking to your doctor for prescription based treatments with a course of antifungal tablets for a few months instead.

Your doctor will likely ask you to take nail clippings to confirm the diagnosis before considering you for anti-fungal tablets. Again, treatment is a long game – at least 3 to 6 months, and you may need to repeat some blood tests to check on your liver along the way.

If your nail infection doesn’t show signs of improvement after using nail creams or lacquers for a few months, it may be time to consult your doctor. If more than one or two nails are infected, or if the infection affects the base of the nail (the lunula), stronger treatments like oral antifungal medications may be required. These medications work from within your system, targeting the infection at its source.

Oral treatments are usually taken for several months, and your doctor may need to monitor your liver function during the course of the treatment through blood tests. In cases of severe or persistent fungal nail infections, prescription antifungal tablets can help to clear the infection more thoroughly.