What is Amorolfine Nail Lacquer used for?
Amorolfine nail treatment is used to treat fungal nail infections in those aged 18 and over. Applied directly to the affected nail(s) at least once weekly, Amorolfine gradually kills off the fungal cells within the nail, eventually allowing a healthy new nail to replace the infected one.
You should normally see an improvement in the affected nail(s) within 3 months of using Amorolfine, but it can often take longer due to the time fungal nail infections take to heal.
How does Amorolfine Nail Lacquer work?
Like athlete’s foot (a fungal infection that affects the feet) a fungal nail infection is caused by a fungus that develops when the feet are often exposed to warm or damp conditions. This fungus enters the nail and often spreads to the nail bed or the skin surrounding the nail. Fungal nail infections aren’t serious, but they can take a long time to treat.
Amorolfine fungal nail treatment contains the active ingredient amorolfine, an antifungal medication that stops the growth of fungi. By stopping the production of a chemical known as ergosterol (which is contained in the fungus that causes nail infections), the fungal cells start to break down and eventually die. Over time, the fungal infection is slowly killed off, allowing the infected nail to be replaced by a new, healthy one.
Amorolfine Nail Lacquer alternatives
Amorolfine is a generic alternative to the popular branded fungal nail treatment Curanail. The advantage of Amorolfine over Curanail, however, is that it can be used to treat several infected nails at the same time, whereas Curail can only treat a maximum of two at a time.
Loceryl is another prescription-only anti-fungal treatment for nail infections, though it is slightly more expensive than Amorolfine.
For mild fungal nail infections, an over-the-counter option such as Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment can be used to prevent the spread of infection.
Using antifungal sprays or powders in your socks and shoes can also help to stop the spread of a fungal infection.
It is also important to follow the below self-help techniques to prevent the spread of infection:
- Always keep the feet clean and dry
- Wear clean socks every day
- Wear flip-flops in public showers or changing rooms
- Avoid wearing very old shoes
Directions
How do I use Amorolfine Nail Lacquer?
You should apply Amorolfine once or twice a week to each of your infected nails. This should be done on the same day(s) each week, and ideally around the same time. To make it easier to remember, you might want to apply Amorolfine after a shower or a bath. To ensure the treatment is at its most effective, it is important to apply it at regular intervals.
You should continue with treatment until the infected nail has fully grown out and recovered. For a fingernail, this can take up to 6 months, while a toenail will normally take 9 – 12 months to grow out.
Amorolfine is applied in four simple steps:
- Prepare the infected nail(s) by filing down the infected areas, including the surface of the nail (you should always use a different nail file for healthy and infected nails)
- Clean the infected nail(s) using one of the swabs that are included, but do not dispose of the swab yet
- Treat the infected nail(s) by dipping the applicator into the bottle and applying the lacquer evenly over each infected nail (leave to dry for around 3 minutes)
- Clean the applicator using the same swab you used to clean the nail(s)
Typically, you’ll need around 1 or 2ml or Amorolfine per nail for 3 months of treatment, but this will vary depending on how frequently you apply the treatment, the size of the nails being treated and how much you use each time. You should start to see an improvement in your nail infection within 3 months — if that’s not the case, you should speak to a GP.
Who is Amorolfine Nail Lacquer suitable for?
Amorolfine is suitable for adults aged 18 and above who are suffering from fungal nail infections. It should not be used by anyone under 18 or by pregnant or breastfeeding women.
It is not suitable for you if your nails are very damaged or destroyed. In this instance, you speak to your doctor or pharmacist about a suitable treatment.
Amorolfine Nail Lacquer side effects
Side effects while using Amorolfine are very rare. However, as with any treatment, some users may experience side effects.
Side effects of Amorolfine may include:
- A burning sensation around the treated nail(s)
- Skin redness
- Itchiness
- Discolouration of the nail(s)
- The nail(s) becoming brittle
If you are concerned about any side effects you are experiencing (or if you experience side effects that aren’t listed here) you should contact your GP or pharmacist.
Amorolfine Nail Lacquer warnings
Amorolfine is not suitable for children under the age of 18 years, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, or those with damaged or destroyed nails.
When using Amorolfine, be sure to avoid contact with the eyes, ears, or the inside of the nose or mouth.
If any of the following apply to you, you should consult a GP before using Amorolfine:
- You are diabetic
- You suffer from poor circulation in the feet or hands
- You have a compromised immune system (e.g. you have been diagnosed with HIV or you have been treated with chemotherapy, corticosteroids or immunosuppressants)
Amorolfine can be used safely alongside most other medications, but you should check with your GP before taking Amorolfine with any other treatment.
Amorolfine Nail Lacquer Ingredients
Amorolfine contains the active ingredient Amorolfine (50mg per 1ml). It also contains: Ethanol anhydrous, Ammonio Methacrylate Copolymer (type A), Ethyl acetate, Butyl acetate and Triacetin.