Curanail 5% Medicated Nail Laquer - 3ml

What Is Curanail 5% Nail Lacquer and Does It Treat Fungal Nails?

Fungal nail infections — known medically as onychomycosis — are surprisingly common. The NHS estimates they affect around 3 in 100 people in the UK at any one time, and they can be stubborn to shift without the right treatment. Curanail 5% nail lacquer is a clinically proven, pharmacy-only antifungal treatment that you apply directly to the affected nail once a week. It contains amorolfine 5% w/v as its active ingredient and is manufactured by Galderma. At just £18.49 for a 3ml bottle, it offers a straightforward, self-managed option for mild to moderate fungal nail infections of both the fingers and toes.

Fungal nail infections typically start at the edge or tip of the nail, causing it to become discoloured (often yellow, white, or brown), thickened, and brittle. Left untreated, the infection can spread to other nails or even to the surrounding skin. If you're looking for a targeted solution, you'll find Curanail alongside other treatments in our athletes foot and fungal infections collection.

How Does Curanail 5% Nail Lacquer Work Against Fungal Infections?

Curanail works by delivering amorolfine directly into the nail plate, where it targets the fungus at its source. Amorolfine is a morpholine antifungal that disrupts the fungal cell membrane — specifically by inhibiting two key enzymes involved in ergosterol biosynthesis. Ergosterol is essential for maintaining the integrity of fungal cell membranes, so without it, the fungal cells become damaged and eventually die.

• Amorolfine penetrates the nail plate and nail bed after topical application
• It inhibits delta-14 reductase and delta-7,8-isomerase enzymes in the fungal cell
• This blocks ergosterol synthesis, destabilising the fungal cell membrane
• The fungus is killed (fungicidal action) and further spread is halted

Because the lacquer forms a film over the nail, it creates a sustained-release reservoir that continues to deliver amorolfine between weekly applications. This is why once-weekly dosing is sufficient — the drug keeps working throughout the week.

Who Should Use Curanail 5% Nail Lacquer?

Curanail is suitable for adults aged 18 and over who have a mild to moderate fungal nail infection affecting up to two nails. It is not appropriate for severe infections involving the nail matrix (the base of the nail where growth begins), or where the majority of the nail is affected. In those cases, oral antifungal treatment prescribed by a GP is usually more appropriate.

Curanail may be right for you if:

• You have a confirmed or suspected fungal nail infection affecting one or two nails
• The infection has not yet reached the base of the nail
• You are aged 18 or over
• You are not pregnant or breastfeeding

How Does Curanail Compare to Other Fungal Nail Treatments?

Is Curanail Safe to Store and Use Long-Term?

Curanail 5% nail lacquer should be stored below 30°C, away from direct sunlight, and kept tightly closed when not in use. It is flammable — keep it away from naked flames and do not use near heat sources. The bottle should be kept out of reach of children at all times. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.

Treatment with Curanail can last several months — up to 6 months for fingernails and up to 9 to 12 months for toenails. This is entirely normal. Consistency is key; missing applications can reduce effectiveness. If you're managing other skin or nail conditions alongside this treatment, our foot care collection has a range of complementary products that may help.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Curanail 5% Medicated Nail Lacquer and What Is It Used For?

Curanail 5% medicated nail lacquer is an antifungal medicine used to treat mild to moderate fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) in adults. It contains amorolfine, a morpholine antifungal agent, at a concentration of 5% w/v. The lacquer is applied directly to the affected nail once a week and works by penetrating the nail plate to kill the fungus responsible for the infection.

Fungal nail infections are caused by dermatophyte fungi, yeasts such as Candida, and occasionally non-dermatophyte moulds. They cause nails to become discoloured, thickened, and brittle. Curanail is indicated for infections that have not yet reached the nail matrix and affect no more than two nails. It is not suitable for children under 18.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Curanail 5% Nail Lacquer?

Before using Curanail, read the following carefully. Do not use this product if any of the contraindications below apply to you.

Do not use Curanail if you:

• Are allergic to amorolfine or any other ingredient in the lacquer
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Are under 18 years of age
• Have a severe fungal nail infection involving the nail matrix or more than two nails

Take care and speak to your pharmacist or GP if you:

• Have diabetes — nail infections can be more complex and may require medical supervision
• Have a weakened immune system
• Have peripheral vascular disease affecting blood flow to the feet
• Are using artificial nails or nail extensions — remove these before treatment

Drug interactions:

• No significant drug interactions have been identified at therapeutic doses when used topically
• Avoid using other nail products (including cosmetic varnish) on treated nails during the course of treatment

How Should You Use Curanail 5% Nail Lacquer?

Always use Curanail exactly as described in the patient information leaflet. Apply once weekly, on the same day each week if possible. The full treatment course must be completed even if the nail looks better — stopping early risks the infection returning.

1. File down the affected nail as much as possible using the nail file provided
2. Clean the nail surface with one of the alcohol-soaked cleansing swabs included in the pack
3. Allow the nail to dry completely
4. Dip the spatula into the bottle and apply a thin, even coat of lacquer to the entire nail surface
5. Allow the lacquer to dry for approximately 3 to 5 minutes
6. Close the bottle tightly immediately after use
7. Before the next weekly application, remove the old lacquer using the swab, then re-file and re-apply

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Curanail 5% Nail Lacquer?

Like all medicines, Curanail can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Because it is applied topically, systemic side effects are very rare. Most reactions, if they occur, are localised to the nail and surrounding skin.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Mild burning or stinging sensation at the application site
• Itching around the treated nail
• Redness of the skin surrounding the nail

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):

• Nail discolouration
• Nail brittleness or changes in nail texture
• Contact dermatitis (skin irritation or rash near the nail)

Stop using Curanail and seek medical advice if you develop a severe skin reaction, significant swelling, or signs of an allergic response such as difficulty breathing or widespread rash. If you're also managing skin conditions in the surrounding area, our creams and ointments collection includes a range of soothing topical products.

How Should You Store Curanail 5% Nail Lacquer?

• Store below 30°C
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• This product is flammable — keep away from naked flames and do not smoke while applying
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the carton or bottle
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused product to your pharmacy