Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are a common nuisance that can cause your nails to become thick, discolored, and brittle. If you’ve been dealing with these frustrating symptoms, your doctor might have suggested Loceryl® Nail Lacquer.
Loceryl® Nail Lacquer is a topical antifungal medication containing amorolfine, and it’s designed to combat those stubborn fungal infections right where they live: on your nails.
This article will serve as your comprehensive guide to Loceryl nail lacquer dosage, application, and everything you need to know to get the most out of this treatment.
Understanding Loceryl® Nail Lacquer
Loceryl® is a brand name for a nail lacquer used to treat fungal infections. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Loceryl®?
The active ingredient in Loceryl® is amorolfine, which is an antifungal medication. You can buy Loceryl® at the pharmacy without a prescription.
How Loceryl® Works
Amorolfine destroys fungi by interfering with the way they build their cell membranes. By disrupting the fungal cell membrane, amorolfine stops the fungus from growing and spreading. When you apply Loceryl® directly to your nail, the medication goes right to where the infection is.
When to Use Loceryl®
Loceryl® is meant to treat mild to moderate fungal infections that affect the outer edges of the nail. It works best when the infection is only at the front of the nail.
Getting ready to apply Loceryl®
Before you get started with your Loceryl® treatment, make sure you have everything you need on hand.
Gathering Supplies
Your Loceryl® Nail Lacquer Kit should contain:
- The Loceryl® lacquer bottle
- Nail files
- Cleaning swabs
- Spatulas
You may also want to have some nail polish remover nearby, just in case.
Filing the Affected Nail
Before each application, you’ll need to gently roughen the surface of the infected nail using one of the single-use nail files included in the kit. This rough surface helps the lacquer penetrate the nail and get to the fungus.
Cleaning the Nail
Next, use a cleaning swab to remove any debris or oils from the nail surface. This cleaning step is important to remove grease and surface germs. Make sure the nail is completely dry before you move on to applying the lacquer.
Applying Loceryl® Nail Lacquer: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s how to properly apply Loceryl® Nail Lacquer to ensure maximum effectiveness:
- Using the Spatula: Use the spatula included in the package to carefully apply the lacquer. Make sure you cover the entire surface of the infected nail, but try your best not to get it on the surrounding skin.
- Application Technique: Apply a thin, even layer of the lacquer. Complete coverage is key, so make sure you’re getting the medicine onto every part of the affected area.
- Drying Time: Let the lacquer dry for about 3-5 minutes before you cover the nail with socks or shoes.
- Cleaning the Spatula: After each use, clean the spatula with a cleaning pad (also included in the package). Dispose of the nail file after each use to avoid spreading the infection.
Loceryl® dosage and frequency
You’ll usually apply Loceryl® nail lacquer once or twice per week. It’s important to be consistent with your applications.
Here are some other important points to remember about Loceryl® dosage:
- Frequency: Apply Loceryl® once or twice per week.
- Consistency: Regular application is essential for the medicine to work.
- Missed application: If you forget to apply Loceryl®, apply it as soon as you remember, and then continue with your regular application schedule.
Treatment Duration and Monitoring Progress
How long you’ll need to use Loceryl depends on how severe your nail infection is. You’ll likely need to use the nail lacquer for six months if you’re treating fingernails. Toenail infections typically require nine to twelve months of treatment, or even longer.
Keep an eye on your nails as you use the medication. You’re looking for signs of improvement, such as new, healthy nail growth.
Even if your nails start to look better, it’s important to keep using Loceryl for the full course of treatment, until the nail is completely healed and has re-grown. Keep in mind that a full cure isn’t always guaranteed.
Important Considerations and Precautions
Like all medications, Loceryl® nail lacquer has some important warnings to keep in mind.
When not to use
Don’t use this medication if:
- You’re allergic to amorolfine or any of the other ingredients in Loceryl®.
- The packaging looks like it’s been tampered with.
- The product has expired.
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding (as its safety hasn’t been established in these cases).
Precautions
- Avoid artificial nails while you’re using Loceryl®, but if you are looking for a safer nail polish option, consider options like Dr Remedy Nail Polish.
- If the infection affects the lunula (the white, moon-shaped part at the base of your nail), talk to your doctor. It may mean the infection is severe.
Children
Loceryl® nail lacquer hasn’t been tested in children under 12, so it’s not recommended for them.
Potential Side Effects
Like all medications, Loceryl nail lacquer can cause side effects. Most are mild and go away on their own.
- Common side effects: Mild burning, itching, or redness where you applied the medicine.
- Rare side effects: Nail discoloration, brittle nails, or nail breakage.
If you have severe or persistent side effects, talk to your doctor.
Closing Thoughts
Treating nail fungus with Loceryl nail lacquer takes time. You have to prepare your nails carefully, apply the lacquer exactly as directed, and stick with the treatment for as long as your doctor tells you to.
If you have questions or concerns about using Loceryl, or if you’re not seeing the results you expected, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You might also consider options like Daktarin Nail Tincture.