Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are a common nuisance. You’ll recognize them by the telltale signs: thickened, discolored, or brittle nails. They’re not just unsightly; they can also cause discomfort.
Ciclopirox nail lacquer is a topical antifungal medication often prescribed to treat mild to moderate fungal nail infections. It’s applied directly to the affected nails, working to kill the fungus and allow healthy nail growth to resume.
The key to success with ciclopirox nail lacquer lies in understanding how long to use it and sticking with the treatment. It requires patience and diligent adherence to the prescribed regimen. Don’t expect overnight miracles; fungal infections take time to clear.
In this article, we’ll delve into the specifics of ciclopirox nail lacquer treatment, covering everything from proper application techniques and the typical treatment duration to essential precautions and what you can realistically expect in terms of results.
What is Ciclopirox Nail Lacquer?
Ciclopirox nail lacquer is a prescription antifungal medication that you paint on your toenails or fingernails to treat fungal infections, though its efficacy is often compared to other treatments for fingernail fungus like Jublia. The active ingredient is ciclopirox, and it’s present in a concentration of 8% w/w.
Ciclopirox stops fungus from growing and spreading, and it can also kill the fungus that’s causing your infection.
It’s important to know that ciclopirox nail lacquer is best for mild to moderate fungal nail infections. If you have a severe infection, especially one that affects the lunula (the white, moon-shaped part of your nail at the base), ciclopirox nail lacquer may not be the right treatment for you.
Also, while ciclopirox nail lacquer can be effective, it doesn’t guarantee a full cure. How well it works depends on factors like how damaged your nail is and how closely you follow the directions.
Ciclopirox nail lacquer is available under several brand names, including RejuveNail and Penlac.
Preparing for Ciclopirox Treatment: Important Considerations
Before you start using ciclopirox nail lacquer, here’s what you should know:
Medical History and Allergies
First and foremost, talk to your doctor. It’s important to share your complete medical history. Be sure to discuss things like organ transplants, recent chicken pox, any immune system problems you’re experiencing, and any diseases you have.
Also, let your doctor know if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to ciclopirox or any other medication.
Contraindications and Precautions
Ciclopirox nail lacquer is for external use only. Don’t use it on open wounds, injuries, or skin that has a rash or infection.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your doctor before using ciclopirox.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all the medications you’re taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal supplements. It’s possible that ciclopirox could interact with other topical medications.
Use in Children and Older People
Ciclopirox has not been studied in children. The studies have only been done on adults.
Also, many medicines haven’t been studied specifically in older people, so there may be limited information available about how ciclopirox affects them.
How to Apply Ciclopirox Nail Lacquer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to use ciclopirox nail lacquer to get the best results.
Preparation
Before you apply the lacquer, wash and dry your infected nails thoroughly. It’s important to make sure the surface of the nail is clean and dry so the medication can adhere properly.
You’ll also want to trim your nails regularly using nail clippers. Weekly clipping of the infected nails is recommended to help remove any loose nail material before you start treatment.
Application Technique
Apply the lacquer in a thin layer over the entire nail surface. Be sure to extend the application about 5 millimeters (approximately ΒΌ inch) onto the surrounding skin. Use the applicator brush to spread the solution evenly over all affected nails, including the underside of the nail, if possible.
After applying, allow the lacquer to dry for 30 seconds before putting on socks or gloves. Many people find it easiest to apply the medication in the evening before bed.
Post-Application Care
After you’ve applied the medication, avoid washing the treated nails for at least 6 hours to allow the medication to fully absorb. You’ll remove the old medication weekly with rubbing alcohol and cotton.
While you’re using ciclopirox nail lacquer, avoid using nail polish, artificial nails, or other nail products on the treated nails. These products can interfere with the medication’s effectiveness.
How long do you use ciclopirox nail lacquer? Factors that affect treatment
When you’re dealing with a nail fungus infection, you want it gone, like, yesterday. But patience is key when using ciclopirox nail lacquer. It’s not a quick fix, so understanding the timeline and what affects it is important.
General treatment timeline
Generally, you’re looking at 6 to 12 months of treatment for fingernails and 9 to 12 months for toenails. I know, it sounds like forever! And, heads up: you might not see any improvement for six months or even longer. That can be discouraging, but it’s important to keep going and be patient.
Even if your nails start looking better, don’t stop using the lacquer. You need to keep it up for the full treatment period to completely get rid of the infection. And definitely don’t stop without talking to your doctor first.
What affects how long treatment takes?
A few things can change how long you’ll need to use ciclopirox:
- How bad the infection is: Mild infections usually clear up faster than more severe ones.
- How fast your nails grow: Nails grow slowly. On average, nails grow about 2mm per month. It takes time to see healthy nail replace the infected nail.
- How well you stick to the treatment: It’s so important to apply the lacquer every day, exactly as directed. Missing applications will just drag things out.
- How your body responds to the medication: Everyone’s different. Some people just respond to the medication faster than others.
What to expect during treatment
As you use the ciclopirox lacquer, healthy nail will gradually grow in, replacing the infected nail. It’s a slow process, but you should start to see a difference over time.
Also, make sure you keep going to your regular follow-up appointments with your doctor. They’ll want to check on your progress and make sure the medication is working as it should, and can even recommend alternative treatments or specialists, such as those following the methods of Dr Kimberly Langdon’s nail fungus treatment.
Maximizing Treatment Success: Tips and Best Practices
Ciclopirox nail lacquer only works if you use it properly. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your treatment:
- Trim your nails frequently. Trimming infected nails regularly helps the medication reach the infection site more effectively.
- Avoid re-infection. Protect your feet by wearing appropriate footwear and keeping your nails clean and dry during treatment.
- Use separate tools. It’s important to use separate nail clippers and files for your infected nails and your healthy nails to prevent the spread of the fungus.
- Practice good foot hygiene. Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing, and wear loose-fitting cotton socks and well-ventilated shoes, especially if you have a foot infection.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle. A strong immune system can aid in fighting off the fungal infection. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of successfully treating your nail fungus with ciclopirox nail lacquer.
What are the side effects?
Like all medicines, ciclopirox nail lacquer can cause side effects.
Common side effects
The most common side effects of ciclopirox nail lacquer are generally mild and happen on and around the nail you’re treating. They include:
- skin irritation
- redness
- scaling
- burning
- itching
- rash
Rare side effects
More serious side effects are rare, but if you experience any of the following, contact your doctor:
- blisters
- swelling
- oozing
- signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat)
Managing side effects
You can usually manage mild side effects by:
- using a gentle moisturizer
- avoiding harsh soaps or chemicals
- wearing gloves when your hands are in water for longer than a few minutes
It’s important to tell your doctor if you have any unusual reactions or side effects that bother you or don’t go away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wear socks after applying ciclopirox nail lacquer?
It’s generally recommended to wait a few minutes for the ciclopirox nail lacquer to dry completely before putting on socks or shoes. This allows the medication to adhere properly to the nail and prevents it from being rubbed off. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions, but usually, a short wait time is sufficient.
What happens if I stop using ciclopirox nail lacquer prematurely?
If you stop using ciclopirox nail lacquer before the prescribed treatment period, the fungal infection may not be fully eradicated. This can lead to a recurrence of the infection and require further treatment. It’s crucial to continue using the medication for the entire duration recommended by your doctor, even if your nail appears to be improving.
What works better than ciclopirox nail lacquer for nail fungus?
The effectiveness of different treatments for nail fungus varies from person to person. Oral antifungal medications are often more effective than topical treatments like ciclopirox nail lacquer, but they also carry a higher risk of side effects, prompting research into alternatives like efinaconazole over the counter. Laser therapy is another option, though its long-term efficacy is still being studied. Talk to your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.
How long does it take for ciclopirox nail lacquer to cure nail fungus?
Ciclopirox nail lacquer treatment can be lengthy, often taking several months to a year to completely eliminate the nail fungus. This is because nails grow slowly, and it takes time for the healthy nail to replace the infected portion. Consistency and patience are key to successful treatment.
How do I know when to stop using ciclopirox nail lacquer?
You should continue using ciclopirox nail lacquer until your doctor tells you to stop. Typically, this is when a completely healthy nail has grown out, replacing the infected nail. Do not discontinue treatment prematurely, even if the nail looks better, as the fungus may still be present.
Closing Thoughts
Ciclopirox nail lacquer is a topical antifungal medication used to treat nail infections. To get the best results, you need to apply it consistently and be patient. Treatment can take a long time, sometimes close to a year.
Keep in mind that ciclopirox doesn’t always cure nail infections. How well it works depends on how bad the infection is, how well you stick to the treatment plan, and other things. If you think you have a nail infection, you should talk to your doctor to get a diagnosis and find out what treatment is best for you.
Taking good care of your nails and keeping them clean can help prevent future infections and keep your nails healthy in the long run.