Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a very common condition that can be incredibly difficult to get rid of. It’s stubborn and persistent, and finding an effective treatment can be frustrating.
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, you’ve probably come across different treatment options. Two topical medications that are often discussed are Tolcylen and Jublia. While oral medications and even laser therapy are also available, this article will focus on these two topical solutions.
The goal here is to compare Tolcylen vs Jublia, taking a closer look at how they work, how effective they are, how they’re applied, and what they cost. It’s important to note that before starting any treatment, getting an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional is essential to confirm that you’re dealing with a fungal infection and not something else.
Keep in mind that comprehensive treatment plans and combination therapies, which involve using multiple approaches at once, can also be effective in tackling toenail fungus. But before you explore those, let’s dive into the details of Tolcylen and Jublia to help you make an informed decision.
Toenail Fungus: Getting the Right Diagnosis
Before you start thinking about treatments for toenail fungus, it’s important to be sure that’s really what you have. The symptoms of toenail fungus can look a lot like other conditions, so getting the right diagnosis is key.
Nail Dystrophy vs. Onychomycosis
It’s easy to mistake nail dystrophy for onychomycosis (toenail fungus), but they need different treatments. Nail dystrophy can change the look and feel of your nails, just like a fungal infection. But if you treat nail dystrophy with antifungals, you won’t get any better.
Many people think they have toenail fungus when they actually have nail dystrophy. If you’re not sure, your doctor can do a Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) test to see if there’s a fungus present.
Getting the wrong diagnosis can mean wasting time and money on treatments that won’t work. So, make sure you know what you’re dealing with before you start.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Fungal infections love warm, damp places. That’s why they often show up on toenails. Some things that can make you more likely to get toenail fungus are:
- Wearing tight shoes
- Sweating a lot
- Not keeping your feet clean and dry
Also, as you get older, your chances of getting toenail fungus go up. People with health problems like diabetes are also more likely to get these kinds of infections.
Tolcylen: How it Works, How to Use It, and How Well It Works
Tolcylen is a topical treatment for onychomycosis. It relies on a combination of ingredients to fight the infection and improve the appearance of the nail.
Key Ingredients and How They Work
Tolcylen combines several antifungal agents with ingredients that help the medication penetrate the nail. These ingredients include:
- Tolnaftate and undecylenic acid: These are antifungal medications.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil is known to have some antifungal properties.
- Alcohol: The alcohol in the formula helps deliver the antifungal agents to the nail bed.
- Urea and lactic acid: These ingredients soften and lighten the nails, making them look better.
- Propylene glycol: This helps the other ingredients penetrate the nail.
How to Apply Tolcylen
To get the best results, follow the directions carefully:
- Before you apply Tolcylen, make sure the affected nail is clean and dry.
- Apply a thin layer of Tolcylen to the entire nail surface and the surrounding skin.
- Avoid getting Tolcylen in your eyes or on your mucous membranes.
One possible side effect of Tolcylen is skin whitening if it’s not applied carefully.
How Well Does Tolcylen Work?
Some evidence suggests that Tolcylen can be effective, especially when it’s part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Some sources report an 80% to 90% success rate when Tolcylen is combined with laser therapy and shoe sanitation. Patients may see improvements in the nail’s appearance in just a few weeks.
It’s important to note that these results are based on clinical experience rather than rigorous scientific studies. More research is needed to confirm how well Tolcylen works.
Jublia: How it works, how to use it, and how well it works
Jublia (efinaconazole) is a topical antifungal medication in the azole family. It’s designed to kill fungus and help your toenail heal. Let’s take a closer look.
How Jublia works
Jublia contains the active ingredient efinaconazole, which is a triazole antifungal. Triazoles fight fungus by preventing the creation of ergosterol. Ergosterol is an essential building block for fungal cell membranes, so without it, the fungus can’t grow.
Jublia’s special formula helps it soak through the nail plate and attack the fungus underneath. Other topical antifungals, like ciclopirox (Penlac) and tavaborole (Kerydin) also have this penetrating quality, similar to what you might find with Loceryl Nail Lacquer.
How to apply Jublia
You’ll need to use Jublia every day for 48 weeks (almost a year!) to get the full benefit. Here’s how:
- Wash and dry your toenail thoroughly.
- Use the brush applicator to coat the entire surface of the affected toenail.
Be very careful not to get Jublia in your eyes or on any sensitive skin.
How well does Jublia work?
Clinical trials show that Jublia’s success rate varies. In two studies, somewhere between 15 and 18 out of 100 people experienced a complete cure.
Jublia might work better than older topical treatments, but it’s generally not as effective as oral antifungal pills. In fact, research has shown that oral medications are more effective than any of the topical treatments for toenail fungus.
Tolcylen vs. Jublia: What’s the Difference?
If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, you’re probably wondering which treatment option is best. Two common names that come up are Tolcylen and Jublia. Let’s break down a comparison.
Effectiveness: How well do they work?
Tolcylen, when used alongside laser treatments and proper shoe care, boasts an 80-90% success rate, according to its manufacturer. Jublia, on the other hand, shows success rates of around 15.2-17.8% in clinical trials. It’s important to note that there aren’t any head-to-head studies directly comparing the two, so it’s hard to say definitively which is “better.” Keep in mind that success depends on the severity of the infection and how well you stick to the treatment plan.
Cost and Accessibility: What’s the financial impact?
Jublia is known to be one of the pricier topical treatments out there. Tolcylen is generally more affordable, but you’ll need to get it through a podiatrist or physician’s office. Insurance coverage can be a mixed bag. It really depends on your specific plan and the type of procedure or medication. Always check with your insurance provider to understand what’s covered.
Ease of Use and Application: How simple are they to use?
Tolcylen requires careful application. You have to be precise because it can cause the skin around the nail to lighten. Jublia comes with an applicator brush, making it pretty straightforward to apply. However, Jublia needs to be applied daily for a long stretch – around 48 weeks.
Side Effects and Safety: What are the potential drawbacks?
Tolcylen can sometimes cause skin irritation or whitening around the nail. Jublia is generally considered to have a low risk of side effects, based on clinical studies. As with any medication, it’s a good idea to discuss potential side effects with your doctor.
Alternative and Combination Therapies for Toenail Fungus
Besides Tolcylen and Jublia, there are other options for treating toenail fungus. These can be used alone or in combination.
Oral Medications
Terbinafine (Lamisil) is a prescription pill you can take to treat fungal infections. According to studies, it has a higher success rate than topical treatments. A review of studies showed that:
- 70% of people taking terbinafine had no laboratory signs of fungus after treatment
- 59% had better looking nails
- 38% had great looking nails
It’s important to talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of oral medications. One study showed that 3% of patients taking Lamisil had elevated liver enzymes, compared to 1.4% of people who took a placebo.
Laser Therapy
Laser treatment can target the fungus directly. Some research suggests that combining laser therapy with oral medication leads to better results. A 2014 study, for example, showed that the combination had significantly higher clearance rates at weeks 4, 8, 12, 16, and 24 of treatment.
Comprehensive Treatment Plans
To get the best results, you may want to consider a combination approach. This could include topical medication, laser therapy, and shoe therapy (treating your shoes to kill fungus and prevent reinfection).
Tolcylen, in particular, is best used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jublia work on severe toenail fungus?
Jublia can be effective for severe toenail fungus, but results vary. Its effectiveness depends on the severity of the infection and individual factors. A healthcare professional can assess your specific case to determine if Jublia is the right treatment option.
Which is better, Jublia or Tolcylen?
Whether Jublia or Tolcylen is “better” depends on individual circumstances. Jublia is a prescription medication, while Tolcylen is available over-the-counter. Jublia may have a higher success rate in some cases, but it also tends to be more expensive. Tolcylen is a more accessible and affordable option, but may not be as effective for severe infections. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
Why is Jublia 10% so expensive?
Jublia’s high cost is attributed to factors like research and development costs, the patented formulation of efinaconazole, and marketing expenses. As a prescription medication, its price also reflects the complexities of the pharmaceutical market and insurance coverage.
Can you use too much Jublia?
It’s crucial to use Jublia exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Using more than the recommended amount won’t necessarily make it work faster or better, and it could potentially increase the risk of side effects. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Is Tolcylen worth the money?
Whether Tolcylen is worth the money is a subjective question that depends on individual experiences and expectations. It’s a more affordable option than Jublia and can be effective for mild to moderate toenail fungus. If you’re looking for an accessible over-the-counter treatment, Tolcylen may be worth trying, but manage your expectations and be consistent with application.
Putting It All Together
Tolcylen and Jublia are both topical treatments for toenail fungus, but they work in different ways. Tolcylen is a combination product with multiple active ingredients, and doctors often use it as part of a larger treatment plan. Jublia contains only one active ingredient, and its effectiveness is generally seen as moderate.
If you think you have toenail fungus, see a podiatrist or another healthcare professional. You need an accurate diagnosis before you begin treating it.
When choosing a treatment, think about factors like cost, how well it works, how easy it is to apply, and the possible side effects. Also, remember that treating toenail fungus effectively often requires a comprehensive approach, and while considering options like LDREAMAM Nail Fungus Cream, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. Practicing good foot hygiene and taking preventative measures are important steps. Some people also find relief from home remedies like tea tree oil or vinegar soaks.