Introduction: Onychomycosis presents significant therapeutic challenges, with high recurrence rates and the need for prolonged treatment adherence. While previous studies have explored the contamination risks of cosmetic nail polishes, little is known about the microbiological safety of antifungal nail polishes used in onychomycosis treatment. Methods: This study investigated potential contamination in antifungal nail polish bottles containing ciclopirox olamine 8% (CO) and amorolfine 5% (AM) used by patients diagnosed with onychomycosis confirmed by mycological exams. After treatment, applicators were analyzed using Sabouraud and Mycosel® culture media. Results: Of the 67 randomly selected nails treated, 100% showed positive direct mycological examination, and 49% had fungal growth in culture. However, none of the 67 applicators (49 CO and 18 AM) exhibited fungal growth. Conclusion: The study findings suggest that antifungal nail polishes do not act as contamination reservoirs, likely due to their inherent antifungal properties. Nonetheless, patients should be educated on proper hygiene to minimize cross-contamination risks.

Journal Section:
Clinical Investigations
Keywords:
Onychomycosis, Nail polish, Contamination, Fungal infections, Dermatology
1.
Lipner
SR
,
Scher
RK
.
Onychomycosis: treatment and prevention of recurrence
.
J Am Acad Dermatol
.
2019
;
80
(
4
):
853
–
67
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
PubMed
 
2.
Gupta
AK
,
Stec
N
,
Summerbell
RC
,
Shear
NH
,
Piguet
V
,
Tosti
A
, et al.
Onychomycosis: a review
.
J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol
.
2020
;
34
(
9
):
1972
–
90
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
PubMed
 
3.
Gupta
AK
,
Venkataraman
M
,
Renaud
HJ
,
Summerbell
R
,
Shear
NH
,
Piguet
V
.
A paradigm shift in the treatment and management of onychomycosis
.
Skin Appendage Disord
.
2021
;
7
(
5
):
351
–
8
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
PubMed
 
4.
Veasey
JV
,
Nappi
F
,
Zaitz
C
,
Muramatu
LH
.
Descriptive analysis of mycological examination of patients with onychomycosis treated in private practice
.
Bras Dermatol
.
2017
;
92
(
1
):
134
–
6
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
5.
Huck
IR
,
Silva
FLVM
,
Alves
CB
,
Chicol
LH
,
Magalhaes
CRV
,
Donofrio
FC
.
Nail polish used at nail salons is not a source of fungi that causes onychomycosis
.
Int J Dermatol
.
2022
;
61
(
4
):
e147
–
8
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
PubMed
 
6.
Klafke
GB
,
Silva
RAD
,
Pellegrin
KT
,
Xavier
MO
.
Analysis of the role of nail polish in the transmission of onychomycosis
.
Bras Dermatol
.
2018
;
93
(
6
):
930
–
1
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
 
7.
Sánchez
MJI
,
Pico
AM
,
Tejedor
FM
,
Sánchez
MJI
,
Acevedo
RM
.
Using a polymerase chain reaction as a complementary test to improve the detection of dermatophyte fungus in nails
.
J Am Podiatr Med Assoc
.
2014
;
104
(
3
):
233
–
7
.
Google Scholar
Crossref
Search ADS
PubMed
 
© 2025 S. Karger AG, Basel
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
2025
You do not currently have access to this content.