A fungal nail infection can leave your nails thick and discoloured. It's usually your toenails, though fingernails can be affected too. It's a common problem, and 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 medicine. The real choice comes down to how many nails are affected and where.
What is a fungal nail infection?
A fungal nail infection, known medically as onychomycosis, happens when fungi that normally live harmlessly on your skin multiply and take hold in a nail. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails. That's because fungi thrive in the warm, damp conditions inside your shoes and socks.1
Common signs include:
- Discolouration - your nail can turn white, yellow, green or brown
- Thickening - the nail gets harder to trim and may look misshapen
- Brittleness - the nail crumbles or breaks more easily than usual
- Separation - in more advanced cases, the nail can lift away from the skin underneath
Not every thick, discoloured nail is fungal. Conditions like psoriasis and nail injuries can look similar, so check with a pharmacist if you're unsure.
Fungal nail infections aren't usually serious. But they don't tend to clear up on their own, and treatment can take several months.1
You're more likely to get one if you have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system. Regularly wearing damp or tight footwear raises your chances too.
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. That film stays put, even when you wash your hands or feet.
From there, the medicine works its way through your nail to reach the fungus underneath. It damages the fungal cell membrane, which stops the fungus growing.2
Because it has to get through the nail itself, results build slowly. Don't expect overnight changes. The aim is to stop the infection spreading while healthy new nail grows through and gradually replaces the infected part.
Judge your progress by the clear, 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 exactly the same active ingredient, 5% amorolfine (as amorolfine hydrochloride). They all work in the same way.
So what actually sets them apart? It comes down to licensing, what's in the pack and which infections each one is suitable for.
Amorolfine 5% nail lacquer
This is the unbranded, generic version. It contains the same 5% amorolfine as Curanail and Loceryl, and you use it in exactly the same way. It just comes without the brand name.
Curanail
Curanail is a branded version of amorolfine. It's licensed for mild infections affecting the tip or sides of up to two nails.3
Infection in more than two nails? Or has it reached the base of the nail, where new nail grows (the nail matrix)? Then Curanail isn't suitable, and you'll need a different treatment.
Two nails or fewer, and only the tip or sides affected? Curanail may suit you. Anything beyond that, Loceryl is usually the better fit.
Loceryl
Loceryl has the same active ingredient, and you apply it the same way. But it comes in larger pack sizes than Curanail, and it isn't restricted by the same two-nail limit.4
That makes it the more likely fit if your infection is more widespread, or affects more nails than Curanail is licensed to treat.
Not sure which is right for you? Pharmica's online consultation asks how many nails are affected and where. Our pharmacists use your answers to recommend a suitable option.
How to use amorolfine nail lacquer
Whichever product you use, you apply it the same way.2
- File the nail - gently file the affected area, especially the surface, to help the lacquer soak in
- Clean the nail - use one of the cleansing swabs to wipe away dust and grease
- Apply the lacquer - paint a thin, even layer over the whole of the affected nail
- Let it dry - leave it for a few minutes before covering your nail
- Repeat regularly - Curanail is applied once a week, while Loceryl is usually applied once or twice a week, so follow the instructions on your pack or from your prescriber
- Before each new application - remove the old lacquer with a cleansing swab, then file the nail again if needed
Do not use the same nail file on your healthy nails. Keep the files for infected nails only.
Want to wear nail varnish? You can, but wait at least 10 minutes after applying the lacquer. Remove the varnish carefully before your next application.4
Do not use artificial nails while you're being treated, as they can stop the medicine working properly.4
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.5
A weekly reminder on your phone makes a months-long routine much easier to stick to.
That's because the lacquer only clears the infection as the nail grows out. Keep going for the full course, even once things start to look better. It's worth reviewing your progress roughly every three months.
No visible improvement after three months of regular use? Speak to a pharmacist or your GP. They can tell you whether a different treatment, such as antifungal tablets, might suit you better.
Side effects
Amorolfine nail lacquer is generally well tolerated. But like any medicine, it can cause side effects in some people.4
- Nail changes - discoloured, brittle or broken nails. These are rare.
- Burning sensation on the skin - this is very rare.
- Skin reactions - redness, itching, a rash or blisters around the nail. 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 skin becomes irritated, stop using the lacquer and speak to a pharmacist. If you develop swelling or breathing difficulties, remove the lacquer straight away with nail varnish remover or the cleansing swabs provided, and seek urgent medical help.
Who shouldn't use amorolfine nail lacquer?
Amorolfine nail lacquer isn't right for everyone. You should not use it if you:
- Are under 18 years old
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Are allergic to amorolfine or any of the other ingredients in the lacquer
- Have more than two nails affected, or an infection that has reached the nail matrix (this applies to Curanail only, so Loceryl or Amorolfine 5% nail lacquer may still be an option)
Have diabetes, a weakened immune system or poor circulation? Speak to a pharmacist or your GP before you start treatment. Fungal nail infections can behave differently in these situations and may need closer monitoring.
When to seek medical advice
Speak to a pharmacist or your GP if:
- There's no improvement after three months of regular use
- The infection spreads to more nails, or the skin around the nail becomes red, swollen or painful
- You have diabetes, a weakened immune system or poor circulation
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding 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, amorolfine hydrochloride 5%, and work in the same way. Curanail is licensed for mild infections affecting up to two nails. Loceryl and Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer aren't restricted to the same two-nail limit, so they're usually more suitable if more nails are affected.
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?
No. Cosmetic nail polish and artificial nails should not be used during treatment, as they can stop the lacquer working properly.
Is amorolfine nail lacquer safe to use during pregnancy?
No. Amorolfine nail lacquer is not suitable if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Speak to a pharmacist or your GP about alternative options.
Can children use Curanail, Loceryl or Amorolfine?
No. All three are licensed for adults aged 18 and over only.
What if my fungal nail infection doesn't improve?
If you've used amorolfine nail lacquer consistently for three months with no visible improvement, speak to a pharmacist or your GP. They may suggest an alternative treatment, such as an oral antifungal.
How many nails can Curanail treat?
Curanail is licensed for mild infections affecting the top or outer edge of up to two nails. If more nails are affected, Loceryl or Amorolfine 5% Nail Lacquer may be more suitable.
References
- NHS. Fungal nail infection. NHS England; 2026. nhs.uk
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Amorolfine 5% w/v Medicated Nail Lacquer, Summary of Product Characteristics. eMC. medicines.org.uk/emc
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Curanail 5% w/v Medicated Nail Lacquer, Patient Information Leaflet. eMC. medicines.org.uk/emc
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Loceryl 5% w/v Medicated Nail Lacquer, Summary of Product Characteristics. eMC. medicines.org.uk/emc
- Patient.info. Amorolfine for fungal nail infections. patient.info
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.