Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is a common condition that can cause the nails to thicken, discolor, and become brittle. Although nail fungus isn’t usually serious, it can be unsightly and uncomfortable. Many people try to treat it themselves with over-the-counter (OTC) products.
However, treating nail fungus can be tricky. Many OTC treatments are designed to treat the skin around the nail, but they don’t always penetrate the nail itself, which is where the fungus lives. This makes it difficult for the medication to reach the infection and kill it.
Two popular OTC options for treating nail fungus are Nonyx and Kerasal. You can find them at most drugstores and pharmacies, but how do you know which one is right for you?
This article provides a detailed comparison of Nonyx and Kerasal, looking at their effectiveness, ingredients, and suitability for different situations. The aim is to help you make an informed decision about which of these nonyx vs kerasal treatments might be the best choice for your nail fungus.
What are Nonyx and Kerasal?
Nonyx and Kerasal are over-the-counter products designed to improve the appearance of nails affected by fungus. They are not medications and won’t cure a fungal infection, but they may help cosmetically. Here’s a closer look at each:
Nonyx Nail Gel
Nonyx contains deionized water, ethanoic acid, a thickening agent, and a surfactant. Its main goal is to soften and loosen the damaged keratin layer of the nail. Keratin is the protein that makes up your nails, and when it’s damaged by a fungal infection, it can become thick and discolored.
Nonyx is marketed as a pre-treatment. The idea is that by softening the nail, it makes it easier for antifungal medications to penetrate and do their job. It’s really intended to improve the nail’s appearance.
Kerasal Fungal Nail Renewal
Kerasal contains a combination of ingredients: urea, lactic acid, and propylene glycol. Urea helps to soften and dissolve damaged nail tissue. Lactic acid exfoliates the nail and lowers the pH, creating an environment that’s less favorable for fungal growth.
Kerasal is marketed as a topical treatment to improve the appearance of fungal nails. It aims to penetrate the nail plate and create an environment that’s not so friendly to the fungus. Like Nonyx, it’s designed to improve the look of the nail, not necessarily to get rid of the fungus completely.
Nonyx vs. Kerasal: A Head-to-Head Comparison
If you’re dealing with discolored or thickened nails, you’ve probably seen Nonyx and Kerasal on the drugstore shelf. But what’s the real difference between these two over-the-counter treatments?
Ingredients and How They Work
Nonyx’s main ingredient is ethanoic acid, also known as acetic acid. It works by softening the keratin in the nail, which helps to loosen the damaged part of the nail.
Kerasal takes a two-pronged approach with urea and lactic acid. Urea softens the nail, while lactic acid exfoliates, helping to remove the damaged tissue. This is supposed to create a less-than-ideal environment for fungal growth.
Do They Actually Work?
Here’s the tricky part. There’s not a ton of solid data specifically on Nonyx when it’s used all by itself. It’s often used to help other treatments work better.
Kerasal has a bit more clinical backing, suggesting it can improve how your nails look. But let’s be clear: just because your nails look better doesn’t mean the fungus is gone. It’s important to remember that clinical evidence of true antifungal activity is often lacking for OTC products.
Generally, over-the-counter topical treatments like these have lower success rates (think 8-20%) compared to prescription medications. Improving the appearance of your nail isn’t the same as getting rid of the fungus for good.
How Easy Are They to Use?
Nonyx is pretty straightforward. You apply the gel to the affected nail and let it dry.
Kerasal is also a topical application, usually done once or twice a day.
When deciding which product is best, consider things like drying time, whether it’s messy to apply, and if you need to file or trim your nails as part of the process.
What About Side Effects?
With Nonyx, you might experience mild irritation or sensitivity.
Kerasal can cause skin irritation, redness, or a burning feeling.
If you have sensitive skin, be extra careful with both products. And if the irritation doesn’t go away or gets worse, it’s always a good idea to check with a doctor.
Prescription treatments and when to seek professional help
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments for nail fungus have real limitations. They often can’t penetrate the nail deeply enough to kill the fungus at its source. That’s why prescription treatments are often more effective. Prescription medications, whether topical or oral, have stronger antifungal properties and are better at getting to the root of the infection.
Types of prescription treatments
Here are a few of the prescription treatments a doctor might recommend:
- Topical antifungals: Ciclopirox, Jublia, and Kerydin are all topical prescription antifungals. Ciclopirox is often recommended because it’s more affordable and works about as well as the others. Jublia and Kerydin are other options, but they vary in how well they work and how much they cost.
- Oral antifungals: Terbinafine (Lamisil) is an oral prescription antifungal. Lamisil tends to work well, but it can have side effects, like raising liver enzyme levels.
When to see a doctor
If you have a severe infection, if OTC treatments aren’t working, or if you have underlying health conditions like diabetes, you should see a doctor. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis (usually with a PAS test) to rule out other conditions like nail dystrophy. Nail dystrophy is a common cause of thick nails that can be mistaken for a fungal infection.
Your doctor might also suggest a combination of treatments, like laser therapy and oral medication. A 2014 study showed that combining laser therapy with oral medication may work better than either treatment alone.
Home remedies and prevention
While prescription treatments like Nonyx and Kerasal are often necessary to clear up toenail fungus, there are some things you can do at home to ease symptoms and keep the infection from spreading.
Adjunctive home remedies
Some people find that home remedies help manage the symptoms of nail fungus, while others seek solutions like Kerassentials, but is it a scam or legit solution? But it’s important to remember that these remedies are unlikely to get rid of the infection completely. Think of them as providing a little extra help.
Some common home remedies include:
- Tea tree oil: This oil has antifungal properties that may slow down fungal growth.
- Vinegar soaks: Vinegar creates an acidic environment that fungi don’t like.
Keep in mind that home remedies shouldn’t take the place of professional medical treatment, especially if your case is severe. They’re best used as a way to support the treatment plan your doctor recommends.
Prevention
The best way to deal with nail fungus is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some important steps you can take:
- Practice good foot hygiene: Wash your feet every day and dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes.
- Wear breathable socks and shoes: Socks made from moisture-wicking materials can help keep your feet dry and prevent fungal growth.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places: Gyms, swimming pools, and locker rooms are breeding grounds for fungi, so wear sandals or shoes.
- Keep your nails trimmed short and clean: Short nails are less likely to get injured, which can make it easier for fungi to penetrate.
- Treat athlete’s foot promptly: Athlete’s foot can worsen or lead to nail fungus, so get it treated as soon as possible.
Cost and insurance coverage
Cost comparison of Nonyx and Kerasal
Both Nonyx and Kerasal are available over the counter (OTC) and can be purchased without a prescription. Pricing may vary based on location and retailer, but here’s a general idea:
- Nonyx Fungal Nail Clarifying Gel: Typically costs between $25 and $35 per tube.
- Kerasal Fungal Nail Renewal: Generally ranges from $20 to $30 per tube.
Keep in mind that these OTC treatments are usually less expensive than prescription medications or procedures.
Insurance coverage for nail fungus treatments
Because Nonyx and Kerasal are OTC products, insurance plans generally do not cover them.
Prescription treatments, both topical and oral medications, may be covered by insurance, but this can depend on your specific plan and the medication prescribed. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.
Laser treatments for nail fungus may or may not be covered by insurance, and coverage can be limited. You’ll need to discuss this option with your doctor and insurance company to determine if it’s a viable option for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the strongest over-the-counter toenail fungus medicine?
There isn’t a single “strongest” over-the-counter treatment, as effectiveness varies from person to person. Look for products containing ingredients like tolnaftate, clotrimazole, or miconazole. Keep in mind that OTC treatments often require consistent use for several months to see results, and may not be effective for severe infections.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
It’s generally not recommended to cut off your toenail yourself if it has a fungal infection. You risk causing injury, infection, or improper regrowth. Consult a podiatrist for professional advice on nail trimming or removal, if necessary.
What is the thick white stuff under my toenail? Is it keratin debris?
The thick, white, crumbly material under your toenail is likely keratin debris, which is a buildup of dead skin cells and fungal organisms. This is a common symptom of toenail fungus and can contribute to thickening and discoloration of the nail.
Does Walgreens sell EMUAIDMAX?
Availability of specific products like EMUAIDMAX can vary by location and online. It’s best to check the Walgreens website or contact your local store directly to confirm if they carry the product.
Does Kerasal really work on toenail fungus?
Kerasal is designed to improve the appearance of nails affected by fungus by softening and thinning the nail plate, but how long does it take to work? The Kera Nail Gel results & timeline will vary. While it can help make the nail look healthier, it doesn’t directly kill the fungus itself. It’s best used in conjunction with an antifungal medication, as directed by a healthcare professional, to improve the penetration of the antifungal.
Wrapping Up
Nonyx and Kerasal both aim to improve the appearance of nails affected by fungus, but they work differently. Nonyx softens the nail, while Kerasal exfoliates and hydrates. Kerasal contains urea, salicylic acid, and propylene glycol, while Nonyx’s active ingredient is acetic acid. Both are available over the counter, but keep in mind that OTC treatments have their limits.
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it’s best to see a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Catching and treating the infection early can help prevent it from spreading and causing further problems.
When choosing between Nonyx and Kerasal, think about what’s important to you. Consider how severe the infection is, your budget, and whether you’re concerned about potential side effects. Remember that OTC treatments might make your nail look better, but they might not get rid of the fungus completely.
Finally, remember that preventing reinfection is key. Practice good foot hygiene, wear shoes that fit well and allow your feet to breathe, and treat athlete’s foot promptly to reduce the chances of the fungus coming back.