Topical Treatments
Treat mild-to-moderate fungal nail infections effectively with Topical Treatments using Rejuvenail, a clinically proven antifungal lacquer. This simple, non-invasive option helps manage fungal infections by targeting the affected nail and nail bed, promoting healthier nail growth over time.
What is Rejuvenail?
Rejuvenail is a nail lacquer to treat mild-to-moderate fungal nail infections that does not involve the Lunula. Rejuvenail uses an active ingredient called Ciclopirox, which is designed to penetrate through the nail to reach the fungal infection, preventing infection growth and promoting healthy nail growth.
What are the advantages of Rejuvenail?
No filing is required for Rejuvenail, unlike many other topical treatments.
Easy to use
Once daily application
Penetrates the nail
How do I use Rejuvenail?
All nail polish must be removed, and the affected toe must be washed and dried before applying Rejuvenail. We recommend Rejuvenail is applied before going to bed.
Apply a thin layer over the entire infected nail surface, 5mm of surrounding skin and, if possible, under the free edge of the nail.
Allow to dry for at least 30 seconds.
Leave on the nail for at least 6 hours overnight and simply wash off with water in the morning.
Do not apply nail polish or other nail medication on the nails being treated.
How long do I have to use Rejuvenail for?
We recommend that daily treatment applications are continued until a healthy nail has re-grown. On average, this usually takes about 6 months for a fingernail and 9 to 12 months for a toenail.
Do not be disappointed if you do not see visible improvements in a couple of weeks as nails grow extremely slowly. Fingernails grow on average 2 to 3mm per month and toenails grow 1mm per month.
It is important to continue treatment until nails are clear, otherwise the fungi can continue to infect the nail and the condition could get worse again.
If no healthy nail growth is present after 3 months for a fingernail, or 6 months for a toenail, your clinician may consult with you around other treatment options.
How do I get diagnosed?
Your diagnosis takes place during a consultation with our Foot Foundation clinician. They will take a thorough medical history, consider your risk factors, complete a comprehensive physical examination and use a Diafactory fungal nail test to correctly diagnose your fungal infection. Diafactory fungal nail tests involve taking a clipping of your toenail, taking photos of your infected nails and measuring the line of fungal growth from the base of the nail so we can monitor your treatment over time.
Once a correct diagnosis has been made, your Foot Foundation clinician will discuss the most appropriate treatment protocol with you and answer any questions that you may have.
What is the topical treatment process?
At Foot Foundation, we recommend Rejuvenail for topical treatment applications.
Your clinician will trim, thin and debride your affected fungal nails to prepare them for Rejuvenail treatment. This process is designed to remove as much of the fungal infection as possible to ensure the best success of your Rejuvenail treatment protocol. You will be given important information about appropriate hygiene and prevention protocols to reduce your re-infection rates during and after treatment.
We recommend 8-10 weekly appointments to see your Foot Foundation clinician for regular thinning of your thickened fungal nails as this will make it easier for the Rejuvenail solution to penetrate through the affected nail.
Generally, we assess ongoing progress with review appointments for up to 12 months before being discharged under a topical treatment protocol. During these appointments, we will also take further photos and measurements of your fungal nail infection. This ensures that changes to our patients’ treatment protocols can be done in a timely manner if required.
Topical Treatments– FAQs
Topical treatments are antifungal lacquers applied directly to the affected nails. They work by penetrating through the nail plate to reach the nail bed, targeting the fungus at its source. At Foot Foundation, we use Rejuvenail, a clinically tested topical lacquer proven to assist in treating mild-to-moderate fungal nail infections.
Rejuvenail is a topical antifungal nail lacquer containing the active ingredient Ciclopirox, designed to treat fungal nail infections that do not involve the Lunula (the half-moon-shaped area at the base of the nail). It works by penetrating the nail to stop fungal growth and encourage healthy new nail development.
- No filing required
- Simple, once-daily application
- Penetrates the nail effectively
- Non-invasive and easy to use at home
- Remove any nail polish and wash and dry the affected toe.
- Apply a thin layer of Rejuvenail over the entire infected nail surface, including 5 mm of surrounding skin and, if possible, under the free edge of the nail.
- Allow it to dry for at least 30 seconds.
- Leave on for at least 6 hours overnight, then wash off with water in the morning.
- Avoid using nail polish or other nail products on the treated nails during the treatment period.
Patience is key — nails grow slowly, so results take time.
- Fingernails: around 6 months of daily application
- Toenails: around 9–12 months
Continue using Rejuvenail until a clear, healthy nail has fully grown. If no improvement is visible after 3 months (fingernails) or 6 months (toenails), your clinician may recommend alternative treatment options.
A full cure can be achieved in up to 30% of suitable patients, depending on the extent of the infection. Rejuvenail is not recommended for nails that are more than 50% infected or if the infection has reached the Lunula. Your clinician will assess your suitability before treatment.
Diagnosis begins with a consultation at Foot Foundation, where your clinician will:
- Review your medical history and risk factors
- Examine your nails
- Conduct a Diafactory fungal nail test — involving nail clippings, photographs, and measurements of fungal growth from the nail base
Once confirmed, your clinician will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan and answer any questions you may have.
At Foot Foundation, we prepare your nails before starting Rejuvenail treatment by:
- Trimming and thinning thickened or infected nails
- Debriding the nail surface to improve penetration
- Providing hygiene and prevention advice to reduce re-infection risk
Regular 8–10 weekly appointments are recommended for ongoing nail thinning and progress reviews. We typically monitor treatment for up to 12 months, taking updated photos and measurements to track improvement and adjust the plan as needed.
With consistent application and regular professional care, Rejuvenail can significantly improve nail appearance and reduce fungal infection. However, results vary depending on the severity of infection and adherence to treatment.
The success of Rejuvenail depends on the severity of infection. A full cure can be expected in up to 30% of suitable patients. It is not recommended for nails more than 50% infected or when the infection has reached the Lunula.
Book Your Topical Treatment Appointment Today
Our clinicians use Rejuvenail as part of a structured topical treatment plan to help clear mild-to-moderate fungal infections that haven’t yet reached the nail’s base (Lunula). Containing the active ingredient Ciclopirox, Rejuvenail penetrates through the nail to disrupt fungal growth and support healthy nail regeneration.
During your visit, your clinician will prepare the nail by trimming and thinning the infected area to enhance absorption and effectiveness. You’ll receive step-by-step guidance for at-home application, along with hygiene and prevention tips to reduce the risk of re-infection.
For best results, follow-up appointments every 8–10 weeks are recommended for continued nail care, monitoring, and progress review.
Available at Pinehill, Smales Farm, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
