A fungal infection of the finger or toenails is called onychomycosis and is most commonly caused by dermatophyte fungi. More than one nail can be infected and fungal infections are more common on the toenails. The MayoClinic.com notes that nail fungal infections can appear as white or yellow spots and as a discolored or graying nails. A nail fungus causes the nail to thicken and crumble at the edges and can lead to pain and discomfort, in addition to having an unpleasant appearance. Nail fungi can be resistant and difficult to treat and prevent. However, both oral and topical antifungal medications can clear up the problem.
Ciclopirox
Ciclopirox is a synthetic antifungal compound that is a common medicinal ingredient in topical nail lacquers and creams for nail fungi. The mechanism of action of ciclopirox against infecting fungi is thought to involve degradation of the components needed to maintain the fungal cell, according to RxList.com. Ciclopirox is found in brand-name antifungal treatments such as Penlac Nail Lacquer.
Tea Tree Oil
Some natural plant ingredients have antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. The brand-name nail antifungal cream Zetaclear contains tea tree oil, which is a medicinal ingredient used to treat fungal infections. This essential oil comes from the tea tree plant and is commonly used as an antiseptic skin wash ingredient. Other components in Zetaclear include antimonium curdum, which also treats fungal infections, and arsenic album, which is used to treat nail discoloration.
Terbinafine
The compound terbinafine is part of a group of antifungal medications and is used to treat fungal infections of the nails and skin. BodyandHealth.com notes that this is a key ingredient in the brand-name antifungal medication Lamisil, which is available in a topical cream, as a spray and in an oral tablet form. Other ingredients in Lamisil cream include benzyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, sodium hydroxide, sorbitan monostearate and stearyl alcohol.
