A fungal nail infection can leave your nails thick and discoloured. It's usually your toenails, though fingernails can be affected too.1 Your pharmacy has a few options for it: Curanail, Loceryl and unbranded Amorolfine nail lacquer.
Here's what most people don't realise. All three contain the same active ingredient: amorolfine.
This guide covers how amorolfine nail lacquer works, what actually sets Curanail, Loceryl and Amorolfine apart, and how to use a nail lacquer properly so it has the best chance of working. Want the bigger picture, including antifungal tablets? See our complete guide to fungal nail treatment.
Three names, one active ingredient. Which one suits you depends on how many nails are affected and where.
What is a fungal nail infection?
A fungal nail infection, known medically as onychomycosis, happens when a fungus gets into your nail. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails. That's because fungi thrive in warm, damp conditions, like the inside of your shoes and socks.1
Fungal nail infections can look very different from person to person.1,2 Common signs include:
- Discolouration - your nail can turn white, yellow or brown
- Thickening - the nail gets thicker than usual
- Brittleness - the nail becomes brittle or crumbly
- Separation - in some cases, the whole nail can lift off, and the skin around it can become swollen and painful
Not every thick or discoloured nail is fungal. If you're not sure what's causing yours, check with a pharmacist before you start treatment.
Fungal nail infections aren't usually serious. But they can take a long time to treat, and it may be several months before you see an improvement.1
You're more likely to get one if your feet are often warm and damp, for example if you wear trainers for long periods.1 If you have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system, see your GP rather than treating it yourself.1,3
Pharmica's online consultation asks how confident you are that your nail changes are caused by a fungal infection, and whether a healthcare professional has looked at them before. If you're not sure, get advice before you start treatment.
Got a dark stripe running down your nail? Do not use nail lacquer. See your GP to get it checked first.2
How does amorolfine treat nail fungus?
Amorolfine is an antifungal medicine that comes as a medicated nail lacquer. You paint it on, and it dries into a thin film. Once it's dry, soap and water don't affect it, so you can wash your hands or feet as normal.2
From there, the medicine works its way through your nail to reach the fungus underneath. It changes the fungal cell membrane, which kills the fungus.3
Because it has to get through the nail itself, results build slowly. It can take two or three months before you see any improvement.2 The infection clears as healthy new nail grows out and replaces the infected part.1
Judge your progress by the healthy nail growing in at the base, not by how the old infected section looks.
Curanail, Loceryl and Amorolfine: what's the difference?
All three contain 5% amorolfine, and they all work in the same way.3,4,5
So what actually sets them apart? It comes down to licensing, bottle size and which infections each one is suitable for.
“Curanail, Loceryl and generic amorolfine 5% nail lacquers contain the same active ingredient, but their instructions and suitability can differ. Curanail is for mild fungal infections affecting the upper half or sides of up to two nails. Follow your product's instructions, review treatment every three months and seek advice sooner if it worsens.
Ana Carolina GoncalvesSuperintendent Pharmacist
Amorolfine 5% nail lacquer
This is the unbranded, generic version. It contains the same active ingredient as Curanail and Loceryl, 5% amorolfine (as amorolfine hydrochloride), and you apply it in a similar way.4 It just comes without the brand name.
Generic versions aren't all licensed in the same way, though. How often you apply it and which infections it can treat can differ between products. Follow the leaflet for the exact lacquer you're given, or ask a pharmacist.
Curanail
Curanail is a branded version of amorolfine, and it comes as a 3ml bottle.3 It's licensed for mild infections in up to two nails, where the upper half or sides of the nail are affected.2,3
Infection in more than two nails, or a moderately or severely damaged nail? Then Curanail isn't suitable, and you'll need a different treatment.2
Two nails or fewer, and only the upper half or sides affected? Curanail may suit you. Anything beyond that needs a closer look from a pharmacist.
Loceryl
Loceryl has the same active ingredient, and you apply it in the same way. It's made in several bottle sizes, and its licence isn't limited to two nails.5
That doesn't mean it's automatically right for a widespread infection. If several nails are affected, or the infection is severe, speak to a healthcare professional. They can check whether a medicated lacquer is enough or whether you need another treatment, such as antifungal tablets.1
Pharmica's online consultation asks whether three or more nails are affected. If they are, it asks you to contact your GP rather than treat it yourself. It also asks whether your symptoms are consistent with a fungal nail infection. A prescriber reviews your answers and decides whether treatment is appropriate.
How to use amorolfine nail lacquer
The steps are similar whichever product you use. Follow the leaflet for your lacquer, as how often you apply it can differ.3,5
- File the nail - gently file the affected nail, including the surface, so the lacquer can soak in. Use a file just for infected nails.3
- Clean the nail - use one of the cleansing swabs to wipe away dust and grease.3
- Apply the lacquer - paint a thin, even layer over the whole of the affected nail, but not the skin around it. Keep it away from your eyes, ears and mouth.3
- Let it dry - leave it for about 3 minutes before covering your nail.2
- Repeat regularly - Curanail is applied once a week. Loceryl is also applied once a week, and twice a week may help in some cases, so follow the instructions on your pack or from your prescriber.3,5
- Before each new application - remove the old lacquer with a cleansing swab, then file the nail again if needed.3
Do not share your nail files, or use them on healthy nails. It can spread the infection to nails that are clear.
What about nail varnish? The Curanail and Loceryl leaflets allow cosmetic nail varnish, as long as you wait at least 10 minutes after applying the lacquer and remove the varnish before your next application.2,3,4,5 Artificial nails should not be used at all during treatment.3
Pharmica's advice is stricter, though. Do not use nail varnish or artificial nails at any point during treatment, until the infection has completely cleared. If you're getting your treatment through Pharmica, this is part of what you agree to in your consultation.
Amorolfine lacquer is flammable. Do not use it near naked flames, lit cigarettes or devices such as hairdryers.3
Got athlete's foot as well? Treat it with a suitable antifungal cream, and ask a pharmacist if you're not sure which one to use. Treating it early helps stop it spreading to your nails.1,3
How long does it take to work?
Treatment takes patience. Fingernails usually need around six months of regular use. Toenails can take nine to twelve months.3
That's because the lacquer only clears the infection as healthy nail grows out.1 Keep going for the full course, even once things start to look better. Missing applications can make treatment fail, and the fungus can become resistant to the lacquer.3
A weekly reminder on your phone makes a months-long routine much easier to stick to.
The leaflets recommend a review about every three months. If your infection is improving, carry on. If it's the same or worse, speak to your GP or a pharmacist.2,3,5
They can tell you whether a different treatment, such as antifungal tablets, might suit you better.1 Pharmica asks for a treatment review at three months too, even if your nails are improving. This doesn't mean you have to stop, and you may well need to keep going after the review.
Side effects
Side effects from amorolfine nail lacquer are rare, but some do happen.3 These are the ones to know about:
- Nail changes - discoloured, brittle or broken nails. These are rare, and they can also be caused by the infection itself
- Burning sensation on the skin - this is very rare
- Skin reactions - redness, itching, hives or blisters. How often these happen isn't known
- Allergic reaction - swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing. How often this happens isn't known, but it's serious
Do not paint the lacquer onto the skin around your nail, and keep it away from your eyes, ears and mouth.
If your face, lips, tongue or throat swell, you have difficulty breathing or you get a severe rash, get urgent medical help. Call 999. Stop using the lacquer straight away and do not apply it again.2
For a milder reaction, such as irritated skin, stop using the lacquer. Carefully remove it with nail varnish remover or a cleansing swab, then speak to a pharmacist or your GP.2,3
Who shouldn't use amorolfine nail lacquer?
Amorolfine nail lacquer isn't right for everyone, and the rules differ slightly between products. Do not use any of them if you're allergic to amorolfine or any of the other ingredients.3
Curanail's leaflet lists several other reasons not to use it.2 Do not use Curanail if you:
- Are under 18 years old
- Are pregnant, might become pregnant or are breastfeeding
- Have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system (see your GP instead)
- Have more than two nails affected
- Have a nail that's moderately or severely damaged or infected
- Have pain or swelling around the nail
- Have dark stripes running down your nail
Other amorolfine lacquers, including Loceryl, aren't recommended for children, as there's limited experience of using them at that age. They should also only be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding if clearly necessary.4,5
If you have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system, speak to your GP before starting any amorolfine lacquer.1,3
Pharmica's online consultation asks whether you're aged 18 to 80. It also asks whether you're planning to become pregnant in the next three months. If you're outside that age range or planning a pregnancy, speak to your GP or pharmacist about suitable treatment.
When to seek medical advice
Speak to a pharmacist or your GP if:
- Your nails get worse, or haven't improved after three months of regular use
- You've been using the lacquer for three months, even if it's working, so your treatment can be reviewed
- The infection hasn't cleared after six months for fingernails or twelve months for toenails
- The infection spreads to more nails, or you get pain or swelling around the nail
- You notice a dark stripe running down your nail
- You have diabetes, a weakened immune system or poor circulation
- You're pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy and need advice on a suitable treatment
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Curanail, Loceryl and Amorolfine?
All three contain the same active ingredient, 5% amorolfine (as amorolfine hydrochloride), and work in the same way. Curanail is licensed for mild infections affecting the upper half or sides of up to two nails. Loceryl has a broader licence, but more extensive infections may need further assessment to determine whether a nail lacquer or another treatment is appropriate. Generic versions can have different restrictions, so check the leaflet supplied with your treatment.
How long does amorolfine nail lacquer take to work?
Results build up gradually as the infected nail grows out. Fingernails usually take around six months and toenails can take nine to twelve months. You should keep using the treatment for the full course, even once the nail starts to look better.
Can I wear nail polish while using amorolfine nail lacquer?
Artificial nails should not be used at all during treatment. The product leaflets do allow cosmetic nail varnish, as long as you wait at least 10 minutes after applying the lacquer and remove the varnish before each new application. Pharmica's advice is stricter, though: avoid nail varnish and artificial nails until the infection has completely cleared.
Is amorolfine nail lacquer safe to use during pregnancy?
Curanail should not be used if you're pregnant, might become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Other amorolfine lacquers, including Loceryl, should only be used in pregnancy or breastfeeding if clearly necessary, because there's little experience of using them. If you're pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy, speak to your GP or pharmacist before you start treatment.
Can children use Curanail, Loceryl or Amorolfine?
No. Curanail isn't recommended for anyone under 18, and other amorolfine lacquers, including Loceryl, should not be used in children because there's very little experience of using them at that age. If a child has a nail infection, speak to your GP or pharmacist about suitable treatment.
What if my fungal nail infection doesn't improve?
Speak to your GP or a pharmacist if your nails get worse, or haven't improved after three months of regular use. They can check whether a different treatment, such as antifungal tablets, might suit you better. The leaflets recommend a review about every three months, even if the lacquer seems to be working. If it's improving, carry on.
Is Loceryl better if more than two nails are infected?
Loceryl’s licence isn’t limited to two nails in the way Curanail’s is, but that doesn’t make it automatically the right choice. Several infected nails can mean a more extensive infection that needs further assessment. Our consultation asks how many nails are affected, and a pharmacist decides whether treatment is suitable.
References
- NHS. Fungal nail infection. NHS website; 2024. nhs.uk
- Galderma (UK) Ltd. Curanail 5% w/v Medicated Nail Lacquer: Patient Information Leaflet. Electronic Medicines Compendium; 2026. medicines.org.uk/emc
- Galderma (UK) Ltd. Curanail 5% w/v Medicated Nail Lacquer: Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium; 2026. medicines.org.uk/emc
- Aspire Pharma Ltd. Amorolfine 5% w/v Medicated Nail Lacquer: Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium; 2020. medicines.org.uk/emc
- Galderma (UK) Ltd. Loceryl 5% w/v Medicated Nail Lacquer: Summary of Product Characteristics. Electronic Medicines Compendium; 2026. medicines.org.uk/emc
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication and speak to a healthcare professional if you have specific concerns.