When you’re dealing with a toenail fungus infection (onychomycosis), you want to get rid of it as soon as possible. But, you might also want to cover it up with nail polish while you’re waiting for the medication to work.
If your doctor has prescribed Jublia (efinaconazole), a topical solution, you might be wondering, “Can you use Jublia with nail polish?”
That’s a great question! In the past, nail polish was strictly forbidden when using topical antifungals. Now, with newer medications and more research, the answer isn’t so clear-cut. So, let’s explore what the current research and guidelines say about using nail polish with Jublia and other topical treatments for toenail fungus. With the right information, patients and their doctors can make the best decision for their individual circumstances.
Jublia: The Basics
What is Jublia?
Jublia (efinaconazole) is a prescription medicine you paint on your toenails to treat onychomycosis, a fungal infection.
The medicine soaks into the nail and attacks the fungus that’s causing the infection.
How Jublia Works
Jublia is designed to get to the place where the fungus lives and grows.
You’ll use Jublia once a day for 48 weeks, or as directed by your healthcare provider. It’s important to use it every day to get the best results, similarly to how Loceryl nail lacquer is used.
How to Apply Jublia
Apply Jublia to the toenail that has the infection, as well as all around it and under the nail, too.
Use the brush that comes with the medicine to make sure you cover the whole nail.
Don’t put Jublia on right after you shower, bathe, or wash your feet. Wait 10 minutes to make sure your toenails are completely dry. That way, the medicine can soak in better.
The nail polish question: What does the research say?
If you’re dealing with a fungal nail infection, you may be wondering if you can still paint your nails while using Jublia.
A look back at ciclopirox and its ban on nail polish
The first topical antifungal lacquer approved by the FDA, ciclopirox 8% solution, came with a strict rule: no nail polish during treatment. That set the tone for how onychomycosis was treated topically for a long time.
Are newer antifungals different?
Newer topical antifungals like tavaborole and efinaconazole (Jublia) have caused experts to rethink the nail polish rule.
Studies suggest that nail polish might not get in the way of efinaconazole soaking into the nail. One study even showed that the amount of efinaconazole that made its way through nails with polish on them was about the same as the amount that made its way through bare nails.
Conflicting guidelines and what to keep in mind
Even with the research, the instructions that come with Jublia still advise against nail polish and pedicures while you’re using the medication.
Also, it’s worth knowing that nail polish could show up on the tip of the applicator. To be safe, many experts suggest keeping nails bare if you can until there’s more information. This way, you can be sure the medication is being absorbed as well as possible and working as well as it can.
Weighing the Risks and Benefits: Making Informed Decisions
The best advice I can give you is to talk to your doctor about whether it’s okay to use nail polish while you’re using Jublia. Things to consider are how bad your infection is, what you prefer, and how well you’re sticking to your treatment plan.
Although research suggests that nail polish might not totally stop Jublia from working, there are still possible risks. For example, nail polish could affect how well the medicine spreads or block oxygen from getting to the nail, which could make the fungus grow even more.
If you do use nail polish, try to find “breathable” formulas and take it off regularly, or consider alternative treatments like tea tree oil for nail fungus. You might also think about only using polish on nails that aren’t infected, so you don’t mess with the treatment. Most importantly, keep a close eye on your nails and report any weird changes to your doctor ASAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can leaving nail polish on too long cause toenail fungus?
Leaving nail polish on for extended periods can create a dark, moist environment under the nail, which can encourage fungal growth. It’s best to remove polish periodically to allow your nails to breathe and stay healthy.
Can you wear nail polish while treating toenail fungus?
Generally, it’s not recommended to wear nail polish while treating toenail fungus. The polish can trap moisture and prevent topical medications, like Jublia, from properly reaching the infected nail bed. It’s best to allow the medication to absorb directly into the nail.
Should you wear socks after applying Jublia?
It’s usually fine to wear socks after applying Jublia, but allow the medication to dry completely first. This helps prevent the medication from being absorbed by the sock instead of the nail. Consider wearing breathable cotton socks to minimize moisture.
Do I need to throw away my shoes if I have toenail fungus?
While you don’t necessarily need to throw away your shoes, it’s a good idea to disinfect them regularly. Fungus can survive in shoes, potentially leading to reinfection. Use an antifungal spray or powder inside your shoes to help eliminate any lingering fungus.
How long should a bottle of JUBLIA last?
The duration a bottle of Jublia lasts depends on the number of toenails being treated and the frequency of application. Typically, a bottle is designed to last for approximately one month when treating a single toenail as directed. Follow your doctor’s instructions for optimal use.
In Summary
Even though some studies suggest that wearing nail polish may not completely stop Jublia from working, it’s best to be cautious. We don’t have enough solid research to say for sure what the risks and benefits are.
Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you. It’s important to find a treatment plan that works well but also considers what you prefer. Until we have more information, it’s best to make sure the medicine can be absorbed into your nail and work as well as possible.
More research is needed to know how much nail polish affects how well Jublia fights the fungus and cures the infection.