Ciclopirox Hydroxypropyl Chitosan (CPX-HPCH) Nail Lacquer and Breathable Cosmetic Nail Polish: In Vitro Evaluation of Drug Transungual Permeation Following the Combined Application

Background: Onychomycosis produces nail chromatic alterations that lead patients to mask them with cosmetic enamels. Objectives: Evaluate drug transungual permeation and antimycotic activity against selected strains after application of CPX-HPCH nail lacquer (NL) on the nail pre-covered with breathable cosmetic polish. Methods: CPX transungual permeation after applying CPX-HPCH NL once or twice a day on bovine hoof membranes pre-covered with a breathable cosmetic nail polish was compared to that obtained applying CPX-HPCH NL directly on the membrane. The relevant experimental permeates underwent an in vitro susceptibility test. Results: After CPX-HPCH NL application once a day, the drug transungual flux in the presence of cosmetic product tended to decrease while maintaining the antifungal activity. Two daily applications of CPX-HPCH NL on the membrane pre-covered with cosmetic polish exhibited the same permeation profile as daily application of the medicated lacquer directly on the nail as well as the same microbiological activity. Conclusions: The breathable cosmetic nail polish can be applied on the nail affected by onychomycosis in association with CPX-HPCH NL to mask the imperfections. The application of CPX-HPCH NL twice a day appears to be a good solution to obtain the same results as for a daily application without the presence of the cosmetic layer.