Tioconazole nail lacquer

Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are a very common condition that can affect as many as 1 in 10 people.^[1]
Tioconazole is a medication that stops the growth of fungi and yeasts responsible for infections like fungal nail, ringworm, and athlete’s foot, killing them off. All you have to do is brush on the lacquer a couple of times a day, and over the coming months you’ll notice the infection improving.

Tioconazole is the generic version of the branded treatment Trosyl. They both contain the same active ingredient and work in the same way – the only difference between the two you’ll notice is the name and the price. As Tioconazole is a generic version of Trosyl, it’s usually a bit cheaper.

Tioconazole lacquer is a topical treatment for fungal nail infections, meaning you apply it directly to the infected nail and surrounding areas. It contains the active ingredient tioconazole, which is a type of Imidazole. These are antifungal medications that inhibit specific enzymes in the fungus, leaving it with an unstable cell wall. The cell wall is an important part of the structure of the fungal cells causing the infection – disrupting it can stop the cell from growing and cause it to die.^[2]
This should stop the spread of the infection, and eventually kill off the fungus responsible.

Tioconazole comes in a 12ml bottle, where each ml of liquid contains 283 mg of Tioconazole. Simply spread a thin layer of the medication over the affected nail and surrounding skin twice a day. Once on, it’ll seep into the nail and stop the spread of infection, eventually killing it off.

Follow your clinician’s instructions when using Tioconazole to ensure you get the most from your treatment and minimise any side effects. To use this medicine:

• Using the brush provided, paint a thin layer of Tioconazole over the entire infected nail and the skin around it.
• Leave your nail uncovered for 10-15 minutes after the application to give the lacquer a chance to dry.
• The lacquer won’t dry hard, but as a greasy film on the surface of the nail. The antifungal agent is contained within this film, which will absorb into and pass through the nail until it reaches the nail bed. Here, it will fight the infection at the source.
• Try and keep the film undisturbed for as long as you can to get the most benefit from your treatment.
• Soapy water will wash the film away; try to avoid washing up or bathing immediately after applying the lacquer. If you have to wash something by hand, you should wear rubber gloves for protection.
• Apply the lacquer every 12 hours, usually first thing in the morning and before bed at night.

You’ll typically take Tioconazole for at least six months, and sometimes up to 12. This is because it can be difficult for the solution to penetrate deep enough into the nail to kill off the entire infection. By repeatedly applying the lacquer over 6-12 months, you give the medicine plenty of time to be able to do its job properly.

You should only take your treatment as you’re told to by your clinician. Sticking to a routine when using Tioconazole and applying it two times a day will ensure you get the best results. If you forget to take a dose, you should continue as normal from your next one – don’t apply two coats in quick succession to make up for it.