Loceryl Nail Lacquer is an over-the-counter topical antifungal treatment used to treat mild to moderate fungal infections of the fingernails and toenails. It contains 5% amorolfine (as amorolfine hydrochloride) as its active ingredient, which works by penetrating deep into the nail bed to destroy the fungi causing the infection.
How it Works & Application Frequency
When applied, the lacquer dries to form a waterproof, protective film over the nail. The active medicine remains on the nail and continues to penetrate to fight the pathogens.
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Frequency: It typically needs to be applied only once or twice a week.
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Duration: Because nails grow slowly, treatment must be continued consistently until the entire infected nail has grown out completely healthy. This usually takes 6 months for fingernails and 9 to 12 months for toenails.
Step-by-Step Application Instructions
A standard packaging kit includes the lacquer bottle, reusable spatulas, cleaning swabs (saturated with isopropyl alcohol), and single-use nail files. You should apply it using the following steps:
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File the nail: Before the very first application, use a provided nail file to file down the affected areas of the nail surface as thoroughly as possible.
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Caution: Never use the same file on healthy nails, or you risk spreading the fungus.
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Clean the surface: Wipe the filed nail thoroughly with an enclosed cleaning swab to remove dust, grease, and residual lacquer. Keep the swab nearby.
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Apply the lacquer: Dip a reusable spatula into the bottle. Do not wipe the lacquer off on the neck or edge of the bottle. Paint the lacquer evenly over the entire surface of the affected nail.
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Dry: Allow the lacquer to dry completely for about 3 minutes.
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Clean the tools: Clean the reusable spatula using the same swab you used earlier before putting it away. Tightly close the bottle.
For subsequent weekly applications, use an alcohol swab or nail varnish remover to clean away the old layers of lacquer before repeating the filing and painting process.
Important Precautions & Side Effects
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Cosmetic Products: Avoid wearing artificial plastic nails during treatment. Cosmetic nail polish can usually be applied, but you must wait at least 10 minutes after applying Loceryl. The cosmetic polish must be entirely removed before your next scheduled Loceryl application.
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Chemical Protection: When dry, the lacquer resists regular soap and water. However, if you are working with organic solvents (like paint thinners or white spirit), you must wear waterproof gloves to protect the lacquer from dissolving.
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Side Effects: Mild, localized skin reactions like temporary stinging, burning, redness, or itching around the treated nail may occur. Rarely, the medication may cause nail dryness or brittleness.
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Contraindications: Do not use Loceryl if you have a known allergy to amorolfine. Speak to your doctor before use if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
Topical nail lacquers alone are generally not strong enough for severe infections. You should consult a medical professional if:
- The infection affects the lunula (the white, crescent-shaped area at the base of your nail).
- More than half of a single nail is completely destroyed or heavily discoloured.
- You have underlying health conditions that increase infection risks or complicate healing, such as diabetes, a compromised immune system, or severe peripheral circulatory disorders.
- The skin surrounding the nail looks severely inflamed, swollen, painful, or shows signs of secondary bacterial infection (like pus or bleeding).
