5 The Best Nail Polish For Toenail Fungus of 2024

Toenail fungus is a common condition that can cause thickened, discolored, and brittle nails. While there are oral medications and laser treatments available, using effective antifungal nail polish is a simple at-home treatment option for what kills toenail fungus instantly. Toenail fungus, also called “onychomycosis,” is a widespread infection affecting many people. According to research, about 14% of the population in America suffers from it. This fungal infection occurs when fungi get trapped between your toenail and toenail bed. The risk factors contributing to such infection are excessive sweating, poor foot hygiene, psoriasis, damaged nails, and many more. The potential effects are appearance changes, brittleness, and thickness of toenails. But no worries, topical treatment options such as antifungal nail polish are available to treat severe toenails. These antifungal polish are directly applied to the nail and nearby toenail skin that help treat the fungus and prevent the infection. You may want to know what antifungal nail polish is, how it works, and the best nail polish products to treat fungal infections. Read the Best Nail Polish For Toenail Fungus article to learn everything in detail! 

What Exactly Is Antifungal Nail Polish?

Many Americans wonder if nail polish can treat nail fungus. To their surprise, those nail polish are the antifungal nail polish, the best topical treatment option for toenail fungus. They are infused with antifungal ingredients that help get rid of bacteria that cause fungal infections. Like a typical nail polish, you can easily apply them similarly. Many well-known dermatologists in the US prescribe medicated nail polish such as ciclopirox or amorolfine for nail fungus treatment. Typically, such nail lacquer is advised to paint on the affected nail and the surrounding skin area once a day. Within a few weeks of its application, you can see the improvements in toenail infections. 

How Does Antifungal Nail Polish Work For Fungus?

Well, toenail fungal infection may sometimes be difficult to treat as the nails have multiple layers that are infected by the fungus. In such cases, topical treatments like medicated nail polish can help with their effectiveness. This type of nail polish is rich in antifungal and inhibitory ingredients that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. Those components include tea tree, ciclopirox, undecylenic acid, terbinafine, or tolnaftate. These active ingredients help eradicate the fungus and stop the fungus from thriving. As a result, it prevents further spread of infections. 

Best Medicated Nail Polish For Toenail Fungus

Many high-end US brands of medicated nail polish for fungus toes are available in the market that work effectively and show great results. Below are the listed names: 

1. Just For Toenails Enhanced Nail Polish

Being the most effective toenail polish for fungus, Just For Toenails Enhanced Nail Polish can work tremendously for your fungal treatment. It is the first color nail paint with tea tree oil as a main ingredient. According to a study, tea tree oil has been clinically shown to treat onychomycosis, a toenail fungus. This effectiveness in treating infection is all due to the tea tree oil's natural antiseptic and antifungal properties. With a variety of colors, you can easily cover, treat, and prevent nail damage. 

Moreover, this nail polish for fungal toenails assures maximum efficacy and promising effects as it is free of formaldehyde, toluene, and phthalate. If you want to get rid of your natural nails' discoloration, choose the milky white as the first base coat. Then, pick your favorite color of nail polish to cover the nail and at last, seal it with a clear topcoat. 

2. Ciclopirox Topical solution 

Ciclopirox is a medicated topical solution used in the US to treat patients with toenail fungal infections such as discoloration, pain, and splitting in the toe. Ciclopirox 8% nail lacquer is US Food and Drug Administration(FDA) approved for the fingernail and toenail treatment. Being an antifungal, it works efficiently by eradicating the nail fungus and inhibiting its growth. This solution is applied once a day to the infected nails and the skin that is under and around your nails. 

During the fungal treatment, if you regularly trim your nails, this antifungal solution will show the best results. Use the ciclopirox solution as directed on your prescription label. Apply it with an applicator brush that is attached to the bottle to the affected toenails. Use less and go for more quantity. Just follow what is advised by the doctor. Better to remove the damaged part of the nail with the help of scissors, nail files, or nail clippers as much as you can. It will add fast healing.  

3. Amorolfine Antifungal Nail Lacquer

Amorolfine Antifungal Nail Lacquer is a medicated nail polish for fungus named after its active ingredient amorolfine. Many licensed podiatrists in the US recommend it as it’ generally mild and effective. According to a study, amorolfine is shown as an antifungal agent that inhibits the production of "ergosterol," a chemical responsible for the growth of fungal cells. The application of this medicated nail polish helps eradicate ergosterol. As a result, this prevents new fungal cells from growing and causes the existing cells to break down and die. 

When applied consistently with proper care, this medicated nail lacquer will entirely remove the affected nail. You need to first clean the surface of your affected toenail. Then, apply the amorolfine with the help of the applicator provided in the bottle. Do smear it evenly over the entire area and let it dry for some minutes. Keep in mind, never paint the surrounding skin of your infected nail as it can cause irritation. Use it once or two times a week(as advised by your podiatrist) until your toenail fungal infection heals. 

4. DaniPro Antifungal Nail Polish

DaniPro Antifungal Nail Polish is a doctor-formulated medicated product that inhibits fungal growth. Being rich in undecylenic acid and free from harmful chemicals, this antifungal nail polish is safe to use for seven days which helps prevent fungal infection. It has no toluene, formaldehyde, parabens, and Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP). Moreover, it is chip-resistant and consists of vitamin B7(Biotin), a healthy nail-protective vitamin fighting off fungus. 

Also, DaniPro Antifungal Nail Polish is available in 20 colors that you can choose as per your preference. Using your favorite color of nail paint, you can hide the nail fungus while at the same time treating the toenail fungus. Besides this, this medicated product is a healthier nail remedy for your thick and yellow toenails. Just apply the layer on the clean surface of your affected toenail to prevent the further growth of fungus. 

5. Dr.’s Remedy Enriched, Non-Toxic Antifungal Nail Polish

Podiatrist-formulated and non-toxic Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Antifungal Nail Polish is highly recommended for toenail fungal infections. This medicated product is designed to prevent nail damage and repair the nails. It is enriched with organic ingredients such as tea tree oil, lavender, biotin, wheat protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and extracts of garlic bulb, having a major role in treating infections.

All these active ingredients have antifungal and antibacterial effects, making it an ideal nail solution for toenail fungus treatment. This antifungal nail polish is so lightweight and breathable that applying one coat quickly dries off and tackles your nail fungus, dryness, and discoloration. It is available in three vibrant shades that you can freely choose from to hide your nail fungus and heal it simultaneously. 

Also Read: How to Fix an Ingrown Toenails?

How To Use Antifungal Nail Polish For Toenail Fungus?

By following the mentioned steps, you can use the best nail polish for toenail fungus to treat the infection:

• Before the application of the nail polish, make sure your infected toenail is properly trimmed. 

• Remove all the damaged parts of the nail as much as you can. 

• Then, clean and dry the entire affected area, which will help remove any left product or oil in the nails. 

• Apply the layer of medicated nail polish daily or weekly for a few times.

• Before layering the other coat each day, remove the old one with the help of an alcohol swab. 

• Use the provided applicator brush to apply the nail polish to the nail and surrounding skin. Also, put the nail polish underneath your nails.

Effective Tips To Prevent Toenail Fungal Infection

These are some of the tips to prevent toenail fungal infection:

• Make sure to use topical serums and gels for cleaning the toenails before applying the antifungal nail polish.

• Always trim and cut the toenails, preventing nail damage and the spread of infection.

• Use antifungal nail polish like amorolfine or ciclopirox. Both fight off the growth of fungi, yeast, and mold, thus reducing the spread of fungus.

• Before the application of the nail polish, make sure you thoroughly clean and dry the toenails.

• Apply the nail polish daily or twice a week for 12 months to heal the toenail.

• Always make use of pure cotton swabs while cleaning the nails, as they prevent contamination from the damaged tissue of the nails. 

• Avoid exposure to wet areas and use proper breathable footwear to ease pain.

• Follow a foot-care routine regularly like, cleaning, exfoliating, and drying feet, and wear antimicrobial shoes to prevent nail trauma. This will add quick healing.

• In addition, never share your nail polish, nail files, or clippers with anyone. 

Also Read: Vicks For Toenail Fungus - Can Vicks VapoRub Cure Toenail Fungus?

Conclusion

Toenail fungus is a common infection that causes changes in the appearance of your nails. You might experience yellow or green spots under your nail skin. Though this fungal infection takes time to heal, you can choose the best nail polish for toenail fungus to hide all your nail imperfections such as discoloration and fungus. 

The medicated nail products are safe to use on your nails and help reduce toenail fungal growth. For smooth application and long-lasting wear, try these best nail polish for toenail fungus- Ciclopirox Topical Solution, Dr.’s Remedy Enriched, Non-Toxic Antifungal Nail Polish, Just For Toenails Enhanced Nail Polish, and Amorolfine Antifungal Nail Lacquer. Being rich in antifungal properties, all these products prevent nail breakage and give a great shine to your toenails.

Also Read: 10 Best Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus