Chemical avulsion with urea nail lacquer

BACKGROUND: Among the therapeutic possibilities for onychomycosis, chemical nail avulsion is a logical approach to the eradication of the pathogen. METHODS: A new formulation was used as a nail lacquer containing 40% urea in a film-forming solution in 10 patients presenting with onychomycosis. The urea nail lacquer was applied with a brush twice a day for 1 week by the patient and for a further week in two patients presenting total dystrophic onychomycosis. RESULTS: This transungual delivery system weakens the nail plate/ nail bed attachment in the diseased area. CONCLUSION: The urea nail lacquer is comfortable for the patient and allows easy removal of the affected part of the fungal nail plate.