List of ointments for toenail fungus: effective and inexpensive drugs
Nail fungus is a very unpleasant disease that causes many problems. Symptoms of the disease include inflammation of the skin around the nail plate, splitting of the nail, and pale spots. The itching caused by fungus causes a lot of unpleasant sensations.
Nail plates affected by pathogenic microorganisms gradually become deformed and die. A neglected fungus is fraught with serious complications for the condition of the nails and skin of the feet, and is difficult to treat. Therefore, it is very important to begin timely treatment of the disease and prevent its further development. By consulting a doctor, you will be selected the best and most effective ointment for nail fungus - it will help you quickly cope with the unpleasant disease.
List of the best ointments for fungus
The list of antifungal drugs for external use includes agents that can cope with onychomycosis at any stage of the disease.
All external antifungal agents are divided into:
| Allylamine group | these are Exoderil, Lamisil, Naftifin, Irunin, Zalain, Mikoseptin). These medications penetrate deep into the nail plate, completely destroying the fungal colony. After a course of treatment, the concentration of the accumulated active substance helps to resist relapse for a long time, and a healthy nail grows in place of the nail affected by the fungus. |
| Azole group | these are Miconazole, Clotrimazole, Bifonazole, Flucanazole, Fundizol). They interfere with the synthesis of the fungus, destroying its cell membrane. The effect of accumulation of the drug in the nail plate leads to the complete death of the infection. |
According to reviews, the use of antifungal ointments has many advantages:
- they can be used by people for whom systemic therapy is contraindicated for medical reasons;
- precision of impact - the medicine is applied to the affected areas, acts directly on the causative agents of the disease, which speeds up the healing process;
- high safety - drugs are normally tolerated by the body, so long-term continuous therapy is acceptable, side effects are rare;
- minimal number of contraindications;
- versatility - suitable for treating skin fungus, as well as fingernails and toenails;
- affordable cost of medicines.
The main disadvantage of ointments is that in advanced stages of the disease, when large areas of skin and nails are affected, they will not help. In such situations, they should be used in combination with systemic drugs.
Treatment with ointments
At the initial stage of disease development, modern antifungal ointments guarantee successful treatment. Correct selection of the product is possible only on the basis of scraping analysis. Thanks to it, the type of pathogenic microorganism that provoked the development of the disease is determined.
All antifungal ointments have contraindications, so they must be used only as prescribed by a doctor. The products must be used in accordance with the instructions for use. Basic Rules:
- Before applying the ointment, your feet should be washed with warm water and antibacterial soap and dried with a napkin.
- Apply the ointment in a thin layer with light rubbing movements onto the entire surface affected by the fungus.
- After treatment, it is recommended to wear clean socks.
Today, pharmacology offers a huge number of effective ointments for the treatment of mycosis. They have a destructive effect on fungi and remove unpleasant symptoms. After their use, the skin quickly recovers.
The following types of drugs are produced for the treatment of mycosis:
- Azole-based ointments. They have a narrowly targeted effect and can successfully combat certain types of fungi.
- Ointments based on allylamines. These agents are characterized by a wide spectrum of action.
- Combined means. They usually add antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and skin-restoring components.
The best antifungals
A popular and effective antifungal ointment with a broad spectrum of action is Lamisil. The main active ingredient in it is terbinafine. The drug is able to destroy fungi in a short time. As a rule, it is possible to get rid of the symptoms of the disease with the help of ointment within 3-6 days, but in order to completely eliminate the infection, treatment must be carried out within two weeks. Lamisil rarely causes side effects when the directions for use are followed. But there are contraindications that must be taken into account.
A well-known antifungal drug for the treatment of mycosis is Clotrimazole ointment. Its peculiarity is the absence of harmful effects on the body. This is due to the fact that the active substance terbinafine does not penetrate the bloodstream, but works exclusively in the skin. The duration of treatment for a fungal infection with Clotrimazole is approximately 6 weeks when used 2-3 times a day. However, side effects in the absence of an overdose are very rare. The main contraindications for use are pregnancy and childhood.
Other effective and popular ointments for foot fungus:
- "Exoderil". The active ingredient is naftifine hydrochloride. The drug is able to quickly absorb into the skin and provide a high speed of action on harmful microorganisms. The desired effect is achieved within no more than 2-4 weeks. When used, it is possible to quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms.
- "Ketoconazole". The ointment is effective only at the initial stage of the disease. In advanced cases, it is necessary to use additional antifungal agents. The advantage of the drug is the minimal number of possible side effects.
Antiseptic and drying ointments
In severe cases, in the complex treatment of fungal infections, antiseptic and drying ointments are used. They improve the clinical picture and are able to accelerate the effectiveness of therapy.
An inexpensive and effective remedy is sulfur ointment. Its peculiarity is its activity against certain types of fungi. The only contraindication is individual intolerance to the drug. Sulfur ointment can be used during pregnancy and childhood. Certain inconveniences in use arise due to the fact that after use, marks may remain on the laundry that cannot be washed off.
Another effective antiseptic is salicylic ointment. It is made on the basis of salicylic acid and has an antifungal effect. It is important to ensure that there are no allergic reactions to it before using the product. The duration of treatment should not exceed three weeks. Sulfur-salicylic ointment has higher effectiveness. In this preparation, salicylic acid enhances the antifungal effect of sulfur, which enhances the therapeutic effect.
After antimycotic therapy using special drugs, preventive measures should be taken to avoid re-infection with the fungus. It is important to maintain foot hygiene and not use other people's shoes. Additionally, it is recommended to use special preventive antifungal creams for foot care.
Lamisil
The well-known drug Lamisil will quickly help cope with nail and foot fungus, as well as various types of mycoses. Some doctors are confident that this is the best ointment for nail fungus, since it acts very quickly and can overcome the disease in 1-2 weeks.
Lamisil is a highly effective and fast-acting fungal remedy. The drug is intended not only for use in the treatment of affected nail plates, but also for the treatment of various areas of the skin. The product is well tolerated by the body, quickly restores the nail plate and provides its further protection, preventing the occurrence of secondary infections. The ointment has virtually no contraindications and does not cause side effects.
The average price for Lamizol ointment in the domestic pharmacy chain is 480 rubles. The drug is available without a prescription.
List of drugs
When choosing drugs for fungus, it is necessary to focus on effectiveness, the presence of side effects, symptoms and course of the disease. It is important to take into account individual intolerance to the components.
Antifungal antibiotics
If the fungal infection is systemic in nature, an integrated approach is required. Deep tissue damage, separation of the nail plates and severe itching of the skin against the background of deteriorating general health suggest the use of not only local remedies, but also tablets.
Among external remedies, it is worth highlighting medications that contain naftifine. This component has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. When taken regularly and in combination with other therapeutic agents, recovery occurs quickly.
Preparations with naftifine:
| Exostat solution 1% 15ml |
| Mycoderil cream 1% 15g |
| Exoderil cream 1% 15g |
External preparations for dermatomycosis and keratomycosis
Yeast, mold and dimorphic fungi can be cured with Terbinafine-based products. Popular drugs with this active ingredient:
| Lamicide drops for nails 15ml |
| Lamicide spray for legs 15ml |
| Lamisil cream 1% 15g |
| Fungoterbin 1% 15g |
| Exifin gel 1% 15g |
| Terbizil cream 15g |
| Terbix cream 1% 10g |
| Exiter cream 1% 15g |
Medicines containing ketoconazole effectively fight fungal infections of the head and groin area. List of drugs:
| Shampoo Sulsen forte 250ml ketoconazole |
| Shampoo Sulsen mite for dandruff 1% 250ml |
| Sulsen forte paste 2% 75g ketoconazole |
| Sulsen mite paste 1% 75g |
| Shampoo Sulsen mite for dandruff 1% 150ml |
| Shampoo Sulsen forte from perch 150ml |
| Nizoral cream 2% 15g |
| Mycozoral ointment 2% 15g |
| Sebozol shampoo 100ml |
Products based on miconazole, a synthetic substance with an antifungal effect, are effective against dermatomycetes and yeast, as well as the causative agent of lichen versicolor. Preparations containing miconazole:
| Mykozon cream 2% 15g |
| Ginocaps vag caps x 10 |
Antifungal agents for systemic candidiasis
The Candida fungus spreads inside the body: on the respiratory system, in the digestive system, on the genitals. Sometimes it infects the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Often, with systemic candidiasis, the fungus also affects external tissues - nail plates, skin on the legs and arms. To get rid of the disease, it is important to start therapy in a timely manner. To treat candidiasis, drugs containing clotrimazole are used.
Popular remedies for the treatment of mycotic diseases caused by the Candida fungus:
| Flucorem 0.5% gel 15g |
| Kanizon plus cream 15g |
| Kanizon cream 1% 20g |
| Candide cream 15g |
| Clotrimazole-Akrikhin ointment 1% 20g |
| Clotrimazole-Akos ointment 1% 20g |
| Candide B cream 15g |
| Candiderm cream 15g |
Salicylic ointment
Ingredients: The active ingredient is salicylic acid.
Indications: refers to non-steroidal external agents, relieves fungus from infected areas of the nail plate, has an antiseptic effect. The advantage of the drug is the absence of contraindications, but in advanced forms of the disease it is ineffective.
Application: the scheme for using salicylic ointment in the treatment of mycosis provides two options - lubricating the affected nail (area) or a compress. With the second method of treatment, the bandage is applied at night, which will speed up recovery by 3-5 days, but the side effect (skin exfoliation) requires taking baths with a soap-soda solution to remove the exfoliated epidermis.
Cost: from 25 rubles.
Terbinafine – for foot fungus
Terbinafine is a drug that actively prevents the spread of several types of fungi:
- Trichophyton;
- Microsporia;
- Athlete's foot.
The active substance destroys the membranes of fungal cells, which makes its vital activity impossible and leads to the rapid death of the entire colony.
The drug is produced in the form of tablets, which are intended for oral administration. The product justifies its high price due to proven effectiveness in relation to:
- fungal infections of unknown etiology;
- ringworm;
- fungal infection of the feet;
- fungal infections of internal organs.
However, this remedy is not without side effects. Among them:
- hives;
- anaphylactic shock;
- Quincke's edema;
- dizziness;
- change in taste perception;
- increased inflammatory processes in the joints.
Any side effects are the result of violation of the recommended dosage. In addition, individual intolerance to the components of the drug is the main contraindication to its use. Terbinafine is also contraindicated for pregnant and lactating women.
Terbinafine
The Russian-made ointment contains terbinafine hydrochloride and a number of auxiliary ingredients.
For fungal infections, the product is used for 3 to 6 months. Apply it to the surface damaged by fungus in a thin layer 2 times a day. Terbinafine is inexpensive - from 60 rubles.
An analogue of Terbinafine is the ointment for the fungus Terbinox with a higher price - it varies between 40 - 280 rubles. Prescribed for mycosis and onychomycosis associated with the activity of dermatophytes and candida agents, as well as for pityriasis versicolor. Terbinox gives a positive effect of antifungal therapy in 95% of cases. It can be used to remove the fungus in 21–35 days.
Causes and symptoms
Fungal infections often occur against the background of reduced immunity and the presence of autoimmune diseases. Almost immediately after infection, itching occurs, which leads to the formation of cracks and ulcers. Over time, the affected area increases, the skin becomes rough and flour-like detachments occur.
The following pathologies can provoke mycosis:
- Chronic diseases of the endocrine system.
- Vascular diseases.
- Diabetes.
The risk of contracting a fungal infection increases if hygiene rules are not followed, as well as with increased activity of the sebaceous glands and heavy sweating. It is important to wear comfortable shoes made of quality materials to prevent chafing and calluses.
Exoderil
The drug Exoderil belongs to the group of allylamines. Its main medicinal substance is naftifine. The ointment has a destructive effect on the cell walls of the fungus and is aimed at quickly eliminating the disease.
The remedy also prevents the further development of various complications of the disease. According to reviews, the use of Exoderil in the treatment of early-stage nail fungus will allow you to cope with the disease in 1-2 weeks with regular application of the drug. It has no contraindications and does not cause side effects.
Why treat nail fungus
Nail fungus is not an unpleasant cosmetic defect. This is tissue damage by fungi. In the initial stages, the disease may not be accompanied by characteristic exfoliations and an unpleasant odor, but it is necessary to fight the disease at the earliest stages.
Nail fungus in one family member is a danger to the rest of the household. Using a shared bathroom, one towel for your feet, and staying in the same bed, it is easy to infect your partner with a fungus. In addition, nail fungus on one foot will sooner or later spread to the other. Medicine knows of cases where the fungus has spread to the feet and even to the internal organs of a person.
Before the infection causes irreparable damage to your health, you need to seek medical help. You should not select tablets for fungus on your own, because each drug has its own characteristics, specificity and a number of side effects.
Mikozan
This is not just an ointment, but a kit for treating fungus. It consists of serum and ten disposable files.
Mycosan is atoxic, it cures mycosis and onychomycosis and prevents relapses of diseases. The serum is quickly absorbed and does not stain clothes; eliminates itching and burning – characteristic symptoms of fungus.
Treatment of foot fungus with Mycozan is carried out regularly for a month, lubricating the affected area 2 times a day. Therapy is completed as the healthy plate grows. Mikozan is expensive - about 900 rubles.
Candide B
This is a combination drug based on clotrimazole and the glucocorticoid beclomethasone. They are both effective antimycotic agents. They quickly restore the nail and prevent the fungus from reactivating.
Candide B can be used not only on nails, but also on the skin. It is well tolerated.
Thanks to the presence of beclomethasone, the inflammatory process stops and the itching disappears. A complex effect is exerted on various pathogenic microorganisms. The synthesis of substances favorable for the development of fungus is suppressed.
The treatment period ranges from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the degree of neglect of the process. It is recommended to apply the ointment to clean feet 1 – 2 times a day and leave until completely absorbed.
Price: from 400 rubles.
Other products for external use
These drugs will also help get rid of foot fungus:
- Fundizol. A complex product that softens and removes the nail plate. Apply 4-5 times a day until a visible effect is achieved. The price of the drug is approximately 100 rubles per package
- Creolin. Refers to alternative medicine and is designed for use in veterinary medicine. It has antifungal, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. The liquid is applied to the affected nails 3-4 times a day. One jar of solution costs about 50 rubles.
- Berezhnova liquid. This is a time-tested remedy consisting of glycerin, iodine, vinegar and sodium iodide. Fingers affected by the fungus are dipped into the bath with the solution and kept there for 10 minutes. The course of treatment can last up to 6 months. The product can be ordered at the pharmacy for only 50 rubles.
Traditional medicine also suggests adding apple cider vinegar and a few drops of lemon juice to a container with Listerine. This solution has a strong antiseptic effect, softening fungal scales.
Listerine can be purchased in pharmacies for about 150 rubles per bottle.
How to prepare your feet for applying ointment?
To destroy the mycelium that has grown deep into the nails, it is necessary that the ointment for nail fungus is absorbed as best as possible. To do this, you need to treat your feet. This is done either with the help of a therapeutic pedicure from a specialist podiatrist, or with home remedies.
If you choose a pedicure, go to a specialist, not a regular pedicure salon. The specialist not only has a device with grinding attachments, but also means of protection and disinfection, wears a special mask or helmet, and professionally disinfects the office.
The home method looks like this:
- Make a hot soap-soda solution (5-10 grams of soap and soda per liter of water), soak your feet in it for 15-30 minutes;
- Apply salicylic ointment or special Arievich ointment to your feet, wrap them in cellophane or parchment paper and leave them there for 12-24 hours. Then scrape off the keratinized skin and affected nail plates, cut off the fragments that are lagging behind the bed;
- Dry your feet, wipe your nails dry, and only then apply the ointment.
If 1-2 nails are affected, it is enough to apply a special peel-off patch with urea or wrap it with a product containing a 40% solution of urea or lactic acid. Then the plate is scraped off or cut to healthy tissue.
Symptoms of fungal infection
Signs of fungal nail infection are:
- change in the color of the nail plate;
- excessive keratinization of the nail surface;
- roughness spreading over the entire area of the nail plate;
- spots under the nail;
- itching on fingers;
- redness of the cuticle and ridges;
- dry skin around the nail, accompanied by peeling;
- increased fragility of the regrown edge.
Irregularities in the nail plate can also occur as a result of injury. Before suspecting an infection, you need to remember whether there was a blow to the nail. In addition, inept cutting of the cuticle during a home pedicure can lead to the fact that the nail will not grow evenly, but lumpy.
