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Whether a nail lacquer is enough or tablets are needed depends above all on how badly the nail is affected and whether the nail root (matrix) is involved. Roughly, it can be classified like this:
| Situation | Recommended treatment |
|---|---|
| Mild involvement: only the nail tip or edge, less than about half the nail, nail root free, few nails | topical: antifungal nail lacquer (e.g. with ciclopirox or amorolfine), often with urea to soften the nail |
| Stronger involvement: more than about half the nail, nail root affected, several nails, or when the lacquer does not work | systemic: tablets, for the most common pathogens usually terbinafine |
| Moderate to severe involvement | usually a combination of tablets and lacquer, which works best |
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What also determines the choice: how much of the nail and how many nails are affected, whether the nail root is involved, which fungus is present and factors such as age, liver values and other medicines. Terbinafine is the first choice for the most common pathogens (dermatophytes). Before tablet treatment, the liver values are usually checked and possible interactions considered. That is why the decision for tablets belongs in medical hands.
The most important and most honest message first: a nail fungus treatment takes a long time, much longer than some advertising promises. The reason is simple, nails grow slowly.
This is exactly where most fail: stopping too early.
brite reminds you reliably of the lacquer or tablet through all the months, even when the nail does not look better yet. Plus an interaction check for tablets like terbinafine and a record so you can see the progress. So your patience is not wasted.
Get started for freeNail fungus comes back relatively often after successful treatment. With a few measures you lower the risk:
A visit to a dermatology practice is sensible to confirm the diagnosis, choose the right medicine and, if needed, prescribe tablets. Precisely because the treatment takes a long time, the right start is worthwhile, instead of trying something on the off chance for months.
Whether daily lacquer, weekly lacquer or the daily tablet over months: brite helps you stay on it and keep an eye on the progress.
No. Nail fungus practically never heals on its own, but slowly spreads further. Without treatment it persists.
An antifungal nail lacquer is often enough for mild involvement, when only the nail tip and less than about half the nail is affected and the nail root is free. With stronger involvement, an affected nail root or several nails, tablets (often terbinafine) are usually needed.
A long time. A toenail takes about 9 to 12 months to grow out. Tablets are often taken for about 3 months for toenails, and the healthy nail then keeps growing out for many more months. A nail lacquer often takes 6 to 12 months.
Because nails grow slowly. Even when the fungus is killed, the healthy nail only becomes visible once it has grown out. Quick results in a few weeks, as some advertising promises, are unrealistic.
Terbinafine is the first choice for the most common pathogens and is usually well tolerated. Because it can rarely strain the liver and interact with other medicines, it belongs in medical hands, often with monitoring of the liver values.
Yes, that is important. Athlete's foot is often the source of the nail fungus. If it is not treated as well, the nail fungus easily comes back.
No. Only about half of suspicious nails are actually affected by fungus. Psoriasis, injuries or getting older can look similar too. That is why the diagnosis should be confirmed.
Yes. Keeping your feet dry, treating athlete's foot, wearing bathing shoes in swimming pools, changing socks and shoes and not sharing towels lower the risk.
