Looking For A Topical Solution?
We developed a criteria for analyzing each option and compiled your survey results to rate each based on your feedback and the input of our medical staff. We evaluated by the price per bottle, positive feedback, customer service experience, as well as their policies. With your combined feedback we present you with this easily digestible chart for your convenience.
Quick Takeaway *
Contact Info *
Customer Rating *
Est. Sample Size *
Feedback *
Est. Treatment Time *
Policy
Product Safety
Price (1 bottle)
Price (3 bottles)
Notable Features
Key Ingredients
Coupons *
Overall Score *
Official Site
NailRENEW
Rank #1
RANK 1
Best for Professional Strength
(800) 678-6341 [email protected]
5,000+
91% POSITIVE
3-8 Weeks
Full 60 Day Return
Safe
$49.99
$99.95
Nail penetration for difficult fungal infection
Tolnaftate, PEG-8, Aloe Vera
try “10VALUE” for 10% off
Funginix
RANK 2
Best for All natural alternative
(800) 589-8913 [email protected]
5,000+
82% POSITIVE
1-3 Months
Full 60 Day
Safe
$49.99
$99.95
Blend of several natural essentials oils/extracts in addition to active ingredient
Undecylenic Acid, Tea Tree Oil
none known
FUNGINAIL
RANK 3
OK if you do not have sensitive skin
(800) 824-4894 [email protected]
<5,000
74% Positive
2-4 Months
Risk Free
Safe
$39.99
$199.95
Formula is applicable to athlete’s foot
Undecylenic Acid
try “FUNGI”
Zetaclear
RANK 5
Controversial online; affiliate product. Minimum concentration.
(818) 303-9260
<5,000
54% POSITIVE
2-4 Months
Required Restock
Safe
$49.99
$149.95
Controversial online; affiliate product. Minimum concentration.
Undecylenic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, other oils
none known
* Based on first hand user and editor reviews – help contribute by taking our survey. Individual results may vary.
* Positive feedback based on your input
* Coupons are subject to change.
Editor’s Favorite, 2017
NailRENEW
NailRENEW is our top choice, as it has the highest amount of positive feedback and well-researched anti-fungal ingredients that are proven to help eliminate fungus and all of its symptoms.
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RANK: |
#1 |
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Overall Score*: |
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Sample Size: |
<5,000 |
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Feedback*: |
91% POSITIVE |
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Cost: |
$27.00-$49.95 |
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Manufacturer: |
NailRENEW |
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Active Ingredient: |
Tolnaftate |
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Means of Nail Penetration: |
PEG-8 |
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Customer Rating: |
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Policy: |
60 Day Refund |
* Based on first hand user and editor reviews – help contribute by taking our survey. Individual results may vary.
Over-the-Counter Options, What to Look For
OTC Treatment Options
OTC treatments are only as good as the ingredients they contain and at what levels or concentrations. Some OTC contain no FDA approved anti fungal ingredients whatsoever. Choosing an OTC that contains an effective blend of active and inactive ingredients at the maximum permitted concentrations is crucial to achieving success.
Important OTC Ingredients
When you’re selecting an OTC treatment for nail fungus you’re going to want to consider a few factors. We have narrowed down some of the active and inactive ingredients to be on the lookout:
Tolnaftate
This active ingredient is listed in the FDA’s monograph (Link 1) for its anti fungal properties and ability to target nail fungus. The maximum permitted concentration level for this ingredient is 1%, any higher could result in side effects such as irritation or discomfort.
Undecylenic acid
Derived from castor oil, this ingredient is FDA approved according monograph for its anti fungal properties. The maximum permitted concentration level for this ingredient is 10%, any higher could result in adverse side effects. (Link 2)
Melaleuca oil
More commonly marketed as “Tea tree oil” it is known for its antimicrobial properties and is not recognized by the FDA as an anti fungal on its monograph.
Peg 8
Polyethylene Glycol, is a clear viscous liquid that is hydrophilic and odorless. Its purpose is to help penetrate the nail bed and deliver anti fungal components such as Tolnaftate or Undecylenic Acid to the source of the infection underneath the nail plate.
Sunflower seed oil
All natural ingredient derived from sunflower seeds its main purpose is to help penetrate the nail to deliver anti fungal ingredient to the source of the infection. Contains vitamins A, D, and E.
Prescription Treatment Options for Fungal Nail Infections
Topical OTC and prescription use is straightforward, here are your options:
Oral approach – These antifungal medications are swallowed orally by mouth. ex. antibiotics
Topical approach – Prescription or OTC topical applied directly to the affected area daily for duration of treatment.
Combination approach – In some cases, people with serious nail fungus may decide to use both an oral and topical approach together to capitalize on the effects of both.
The most cost effective solution is to start with an OTC and gauge your results after a few months. You can gauge by tracking healthy regrowth from the base or cuticle of the nail. As healthy nail regrowth occurs during use of a topical treatment you clip away the excess infected nail. Since nail regrowth may vary from person to person it is important to note that your results may vary but typically after 60 days you can gauge whether or not you are making any progress. At this point in time, you can continue treatment or consider a prescription from a doctor. One of the biggest criticisms of oral prescriptions is the potential side effects and the risk of building up an immunity to antibiotics for a condition that isn’t serious. Topical approaches can be more expensive and vary depending on the prescription you receive. They often require the same duration of use to see results as they are also rely on healthy nail regrowth during continued, consistent treatment.
Topical Anti-fungal Prescriptions
| Name | Brand Name | Duration | Price | Stated possible side effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tavaborole | (Kerydin) | Daily, 48 Weeks | $1200 | hives, redness, swelling, irregular breathing |
| Efinaconazole | (Jublia) | Daily, 48 Weeks | $450 | hives, swelling, irritation or pain at affected area, irregular breathing, ingrown nails, blisters |
| Ciclopirox | Daily, 48 Weeks | $1,000 | hives, swelling, irritation or pain at affected area, irregular breathing, ingrown nails, blisters |
More details on these topical anti-fungal prescriptions
Some of these topical anti fungal prescription medications (Link 4) include:
| Tavaborole (Kerydin) | Duration of use | Price | Size | Side effects | Contraindications | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Daily, 48 weeks | $1,200 | 10ml | Low risk. hives, redness, swelling, irregular breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms or any other adverse effects contact you doctor immediately. | May not be safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. | Coverage varies – check with your insurance company. |
source: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/tavaborole-topical.html
| Efinaconazole (Jublia) | Duration of use | Price | Size | Side effects | Contraindications | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Daily, 48 weeks | $450 | 4ml | hives, swelling, irritation or pain at affected area, irregular breathing, ingrown nails, blisters. If you notice any of | May not be safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. | Coverage varies – check with your insurance company. |
source: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/efinaconazole-topical.html
| Ciclopirox | Duration of use | Price | Size | Side effects | Contraindications | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Daily, 48 weeks | $1,000 | 6.6ml | hives, swelling, irritation or pain at affected area, irregular breathing, ingrown nails, blisters. If you notice any of | May not be safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. | Coverage varies – check with your insurance company. |
source: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/ciclopirox-topical.html
Never use any of these prescription medications without the instruction of your doctor. Never use an unprescribed medication from a friend or family member. Your doctor must be aware of any other medications as well as your health history to determine whether or not a prescription medication is suitable for you.
Oral Anti-Fungal Prescription Medications
There are several options for oral anti fungal medications that may be prescribed by your doctor should you prefer an oral alternative they can help select one for you. Oral fungal medications are often easier to use as they only require taking daily pills. You should be made ware of the negative side effects (Link 5) associated with oral anti fungal medications. Nearly every oral antifungal (Link 6) medication carries side effects that can be extremely dangerous, and even life-threatening. If your doctor chooses to prescribe an oral anti fungal medication, make sure you discuss the potential side effects and whether or not it’s worth the risk to take the medication.
Nail fungus is not a serious condition with very low risk of developing into a serious illness. You need to weigh your options when selecting your medication and the potential risk. If you are breastfeeding or pregnant you need to consult with your doctor regarding the potential side effects a prescribed medication have and whether or not the chemicals from the prescription may be expressed in breast milk or have adverse effects on the fetus. If you are currently prescribed other medications or have underlying health issues you need to be especially careful and share these with your medical doctor prior to prescription.
Here are some oral prescription options:
| Name | Brand Name | Duration | Price per 1 bottle / dosage | Min. Projected Cost | Stated possible side effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diflucan | Diflucan | Daily, 30 Days | $8 / 150mg tablets | $1200 | May cause excessive bleeding if used with blood thinners. Throat swelling, headaches, dizziness, irregular breathing. |
| Lamisil | Lamisil | Daily, 30 Days | $8 / 150mg tablets | $1200 | May cause excessive bleeding if used with blood thinners. Throat swelling, headaches, dizziness, irregular breathing. |
| Griseofulvin Fulvicin | (Gris-PEG) | Daily, 1 Year | $200 / 500mg tablets | $2400 | Throat swelling, headaches, tingling or numbness, dizziness, irregular breathing, changes in hearing or mood, confusion, rashes, facial butterfly shaped rash, pain in joints or muscles, change in urinary habits |
| Itraconazole | (Sporanox) | 2X Daily, 1 Year | $1,300 ($400 generic) / 100mg tables | $15,600 | swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing, hives, sudden tiredness, weight gain, swelling of extremities, ringing of the ears of hearing loss |
More details on these oral anti-fungal prescription medications
| Diflucan | Duration of use | Price | Size | Side effects | Contraindications | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Daily, 30 Days | $8 | 30 150mg tablets (strength of dosage varies) | May cause excessive bleeding if used with blood thinners. Throat swelling, headaches, dizziness, irregular breathing. | May not be safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. May reduce white blood cell counts. Use with caution if you have a history of liver problems. Always discuss these issues and concerns with your doctor prior to prescription. | Coverage varies and there is a generic form – check with your insurance company. |
source: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/fluconazole.html
| Lamisil | Duration of use | Price | Size | Side effects | Contraindications | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Daily, 30 Days | $8 | 30 150mg tablets (strength of dosage varies) | May cause excessive bleeding if used with blood thinners. Throat swelling, headaches, dizziness, irregular breathing. | May not be safe for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. May reduce white blood cell counts. Use with caution if you have a history of liver problems. Always discuss these issues and concerns with your doctor prior to prescription. | Coverage varies and there is a generic form – check with your insurance company. |
source: https://www.drugs.com/cdi/terbinafine.html
| Griseofulvin Fulvicin (Gris-PEG) | Duration of use | Price | Size | Side effects | Contraindications | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Daily, 1 year | $200 | 30 500mg tablets (strength of dosage varies) | Throat swelling, headaches, tingling or numbness, dizziness, irregular breathing, changes in hearing or mood, confusion, rashes, facial butterfly shaped rash, pain in joints or muscles, change in urinary habits, If you have any of these side effects consult with your doctor immediately. | Should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Excessive exposure to sun should be avoided. If you have a history of lupus or liver problems avoid this medication. Always discuss these issues and concerns with your doctor prior to prescription. | Coverage varies and there is a generic form – check with your insurance company. |
Notes: Men using this should refrain from getting their partner pregnant. Medication may continue to have effect on sperm even after running its course.
source: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/griseofulvin.html
| Itraconazole (Sporanox) | Duration of use | Price | Size | Side effects | Contraindications | Insurance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
2x Daily, 1 year | Brand -$1,300Generic -$400 | 60 100mg tablets | Seek immediate medical attention if your face or throat swells, difficulty breathing, develop hives, sudden tiredness, weight gain, swelling of extremities. Ringing of the ears of hearing loss may occur when using this product. Your doctor should be made aware of any fever, dizziness, ongoing sore throat, changes to sexual drive, hair loss, differences in urination, arrhythmia, enlarged breasts in men, or depression. | May cause issues with other drug interactions. Make doctor fully aware of all current medications prior to prescription. Not for people with liver, kidney, or heart problems. Notify doctor immediately if you are experiencing abdomen pain, yellowing of eyes, vomiting or nausea, loss of appetite. | Coverage varies and there is a generic form – check with your insurance company. |
Notes: Only take on full stomach and avoid antacids during use. This product is not approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).
source: https://www.drugs.com/mtm/itraconazole.html
Data above is for information purposes and may vary over time. Source of information is in part Drugs.com. Always consult with a medical professional before starting a course of any prescription treatment.
Reviewed and writing contributions by
Dr. Mayus Internal Medicine, Connecticut
