Fungal Nail Infection

Fungal nail infections are unpleasant but usually painless and not serious. According to a survey published in the British Journal of Dermatology, the condition affects between 5-10% of people in the UK.

Available treatments:

Symptoms

Causes of fungal nail infections:

A fungal nail infection is often caused by Athlete's foot - this is where fungi causes the skin between your toes to become flaky, red and itchy.

Fungal infections of the fingernails are usually caused by a type of yeast called candida. People who wash their hands frequently are at greater risk because the skin below the nail can become damage making it easier for an infection to take hold.

Fungal nail infections are also more common in people with some existing health conditions such as diabetes or psoriasis.

Nail biting, a warm climate, smoking and using artificial nails may also increase your risk.

Fungal nail infections become more common as you get older.

How can I treat it?

Antifungal creams can be used to treat fungus around your nails which may be sufficient in the early stages. There are also antifungal nail paints applied directly to the nail. A fingernail may need 6 months of treatment and a toenail a year.

Amorolfine 5% nail lacquer is a prescription treatment available through our online doctor service. Once the course has been completed, the toenail may take several months to improve in appearance. While the nail is re-growing you can use an antifungal cream to prevent further infection. Left untreated the infection can spread to your other nails.

Alternative remedies/Self-help

Some essential oils such as oregano, tea tree and lavender oil are thought to act as a barrier against fungal infections.

Amorolfine 5% nail lacquer is an antifungal treatment for nail infections caused by fungi, moulds and yeasts. Amorolfine disrupts fungal cell membranes by preventing the production of ergosterol, an essential component of the fungal cell membrane which kills the fungi cells. Fungal nail infections take root deep into the nail bed. Amorolfine penetrates deep into the nail bed where fungal infections take root meaning it can effectively treat the infection.

Amorolfine is painted onto infected nails like nail varnish. The treatment is water proof and will stay on the nail until the next application is due.

Is Amorolfine nail lacquer suitable for me?

Amorolfine should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children, or anyone with an allergy to it or any of the ingredients.

How do I use Amorolfine?

Amorolfine is applied to the nail once a week. Before application it is important that the affected areas of the nail are filed down using the nail file supplied. The surface of the nail should be cleansed and degreased using an alcohol cleaning pad. When you repeat apply amorolfine file down the affected area of the nail once again after cleansing with an alcohol pad to remove any remaining amorolfine.

This treatment can take up to 6 months to clear up a fingernail infection and up to 12 months for a toenail infection. Nails grow slowly so it may take a couple of months before you see any visible improvement. This treatment will not treat athlete's foot or any fungal skin infection. You will need to use other treatments for these conditions.

Does Amorolfine have any side effects?

Like Most medicines Amorolfine can cause side effects however they are not very common and not everyone will get them. Possible side effects include nail discolouration and broken or brittle nails. Please read the amorolfine patient information leaflet for more information on side effects.