Applying nail polish is one of the little pleasures most girls enjoy. Nail polish can instantly beautify the nails, giving them a fresh and healthier look.
It may be true that wearing nail polish can hide any embarrassing nail abnormality; however, this might also worsen nail problems. For instance, discolorations can be hard to differentiate because this may be because of prolonged use of nail polishes or could be a sign of nail fungus.
Onychomycosis, more commonly known as nail fungal infections, is a common nail infection. It happens when a fungus infects the nail causing it to be deformed or discolored. Nail fungus will become harder to cure when left undetected and untreated because it is always covered with nail polish.
Men are more prone to getting a fungal infection. Other people at risk of getting toenail fungus are those aged 60 and above, people with diabetes, and those with weak immune systems and family history. Aside from medical conditions, people who’ve had nail injuries are also at risk of toenail fungus.
Wearing Nail Polish to Cover Nail Fungal Infection
Generally, nail fungal infections change the color and texture of the nail into rough and discolored. Using nail polish to hide toenail fungus is the easiest way to cover this nail problem giving the affected nails a healthier look. However, applying non-medicated nail polish is just a temporary fix. Despite how much nicer and healthier the infected nails may look, the polish will not solve the problem. Wearing it for longer periods might even cause more harm than good to the nail fungus problem. Fungi flourish in darker environments, and nail polish can easily boost their growth.
If you want to cover toenail fungus, use medicated nail polish. Anti-fungal nail polish is the best solution to cover fungus-infected toenails because of its natural anti-fungal ingredients such as biotin, garlic, lavender, tea tree oil, etc. Anti-fungal nail polish is the solution to your toenail problem because it keeps your nail looking pretty while treating the fungal infection.
The following are the best anti-fungal nail polish currently available in the market today:
Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish
Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polish is considered the best anti-fungal nail polish available today. It provides the look you want for your toes and the treatment you need. It has many colors: Amity Amethyst, Brave Berry, Playful Pink, Resilient Rose, and more.
At an early stage of nail fungus, nails become discolored if that is your case, apply two coats. The nail polish can stay on your toes for up to three weeks.
DaniPro AntiFungal Infused Nail Polish
The DaniPro AntiFungal Infused Nail Polish is the next best-medicated nail polish. It also contains a clinically proven ingredient that fights fungal infections called Undecylenic Acid. It has been proven to fight off nail fungal infections for up to 7 days.
The DaniPro AntiFungal Infused Nail Polish is a thicker formula than a regular polish, helping address the toe problems such as cracks and uneven layers of the nail. It also contains other ingredients that kill the fungus.
Nu Wave Nail Polish
Nu Wave Nail Polish is currently one of the most popular anti-fungal nail polishes today. It is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and antiviral, making it more effective in curing toenail fungus. It likewise contains Undecylenic Acid, which can fight fungus for up to a week.
This product is affordable and was developed by two podiatrists in the US who wanted to provide a cure for their patients.
How to Apply Antifungal Nail Polish
- Before applying anti-fungal nail polish, make sure the nails are clean. Clip and file the nails; if it has thickened because of nail infection, use a strong nail clipper. Wash away the infected skin debris and dry your nails completely.
- Choose a color of anti-fungal nail polish, then apply one or two base coats. Let it dry for about twenty minutes. Always remember to let the base dry before applying another coat, and never apply anti-fungal nail polish if the base coat is non-medicated.
- With the base coat properly dried, the anti-fungal topcoat can be applied on top. Make sure that the topcoat is thoroughly dry before going on with your day.
- Remove the anti-fungal nail polish every seven days with a non-acetone nail polish remover.
Nail fungus is absolutely a challenging nail problem, so it is better to make sure you don’t get it. It is always better to prevent than cure it. Here are some tips to keep nail fungus away:
- Spraying shoes with an anti-fungal spray helps keep the nail fungus away
- Throw away your old shoes you don’t always use
- Always change your socks once during the day, especially if your feet are sweaty, to keep the moisture down.
- Use an anti-fungal powder on your feet if you sweat a lot.
- Bring nail polish to the nail salon for personal use.
- Spray disinfectant cleaning products on your shower tiles at least once weekly.
- Shampoo the carpet occasionally.
- Also, wash your bathmats weekly.
Anti-fungal nail polish is effective because the anti-fungal nail polish uses natural ingredients such as tea tree oil and other known oils used in treating nail fungal infections.
Many nail polish manufacturers use strong chemicals such as formaldehyde and toluene in their products that may only cause more damage to a nail with fungal infection. At the same time, using the same nail polish on healthy nails right after an infected nail may cause contamination and affect other healthier nails. Nail polish likewise prohibits the penetration of topical treatments and reduces the solution’s effectiveness.
Antifungal Nail Lacquers
Recently, some nail polish manufacturers came up with nail polish for a specific purpose, to help treat nail fungal infections. Anti-fungal nail lacquers are now available in the market. They are not meant for beautifying purposes and usually come in clear colors.
Amorolfine
Amorolfine is an active ingredient found in most anti-fungal nail lacquers and has properties to treat infections caused by fungi, yeasts, and molds.
This anti-fungal medicine kills fungi and yeasts by interfering with their cell membranes. It can stop fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of fungal cell membranes.
The product needs to be applied regularly for about 9 months to 1 year to get a significant result but does not promise complete treatment of fungal nail infections.
Ciclopirox
The Ciclopirox is a topical nail solution used with regular nail trimmings to cure fungal infections. Under the classification of anti-fungal medications, its primary purpose is to stop the nail fungus from growing. Like the Amorolfine, Ciclopirox does not promise a total cure for onychomycosis. It takes 6 or more months to improvement in the condition of the nail.
It takes patience to cure toenail fungus using special nail lacquers. These solutions use strong chemicals, and it is best to consult health professionals first.
Discontinue treatment if you experience sensitivity and chemical irritation and consult with a medical specialist.
Based on clinical studies, less than 12% of patients were able to cure their nail fungus completely. Using nail lacquers works best when combined with another form of treatment.