2013;3(11):e003304. According to Maiman, the repeated exposure of fingers to tobacco tar can cause discoloration; not to mention, nails are vulnerable to the same harmful players that causeskin texture to appear dimpled, like smoking, which can result in ridges and discoloration on the nail plate. Either way, I now have no stains, which has made me a lot more confident, and I don't have to hide my hands now! To diagnose the cause of your yellow nails, a healthcare provider (usually a dermatologist, a doctor specializing in skin and nails) will examine your nails and take a detailed medical history, including symptoms and any medications or health conditions you have. When a fungal infection, like athlete's foot3 occurs in the nail, it leads to a thickening of the nail plate and accumulation of debris beneath it, both of which can lead to a yellow hue, Maiman says. Vitamin or mineral deficiencies can cause nails to appear yellow, and introducing a multivitamin supplement to your regiment may stop the problem. Discover how to lessen their appearance or get rid of them permanently. Baking soda has strong antifungal effects. Be aware that no oral or topical antifungal is 100 percent effective and recurrence of nail fungus is common. Youre a nail expert. Tobacco-stained fingers may be more than a cosmetic issue. Following are few remedies to get rid of yellow nails that are very efficient. We get it: The last thing you want is for your hands to be associated with fungus. Well explain the few ways to do this. Yellow nails can signify an underlying issue not related to polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes. Lemon juice: Soaking your nails in lemon juice will get rid of those yellow stains. Andrea Jordan is a beauty and lifestyle freelance writer covering topics from hair and skincare to family and home. Approved. Read our, How Long Does It Take Nail Polish to Dry? (2007). But what happens when you remove your polish to find that your once strong, bright, and shiny nails are turning a less-than-satisfactory shade of yellow? Yellow nails can range from slightly discolored to a distinctly dark yellowish tint. This article has been viewed 930,159 times. Read on to find out more about what causes yellow nails and how to get rid of this condition. Scrub your nails using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda for 2-3 minutes to quickly lighten them. Especially if you're using traditional polishes that contain formaldehyde, camphor, and toluene, as these harsher ingredients can weaken the nail plate. Its effective against bacteria and fungi, which makes it a great treatment if youre not sure whats causing your nails to become yellow. This article has been viewed 142,540 times. Instead, switch to bright or neutral lacquers and use a mitt or glove when applying your self-tanner. Likewise, it has antifungal properties which are useful in treating any kind of nail disease that prompts staining. These include: Melanonychia is a condition that results in discoloration of the nails. Your doctor will be able to run tests that will determine whether your yellow nails are being caused by fungus, yeast, bacteria, or something more serious. You can soak your nails in this solution a couple times a month, but be sure you soak then when your nails are bare, and free from nail polish. That's why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like vitamin E, are beloved in nail care. You just have to take a drop or two along with a carrier oil and use a cotton swab to apply it to your nails. Let it sit on the affected nails for 5 minutes or so and then wash off. 12+ Tips for Easy Care & Prevention for Dry, Peeling Cuticle Skin, How to Treat a Black Toenail from Injury, Fungus, & More, How to Care for a Broken Toenail (Plus When to See a Doctor), Guide to Removing, Cleaning, and Caring for Dead Toenails. For example, with a rare disease called yellow nail syndrome, other symptoms include respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, and lower limb swelling. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. ", "Gave me new ideas to help improve my cleanliness. Why do smokers nails turn yellow? Another solution is potato. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. In the past I tried a pumice stone, which worked within seconds, and also the nail file/emery board, which works, too, just not as fast. Splichal says her typical regimen for patients involves "both topical and oral as a combination," but every patient is different and could require different interventions. Her work also appears in BuzzFeed, StyleCaster, and Yahoo. 2. Not only is it a cosmetic problem, but researchers have noted an association between tobacco-stained skin and nails and smoking-related diseases. Another common at-home remedy for discolored nails is mixing one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, two and a half tablespoons of baking soda in a dish. In fact, once you've landed on the root cause, you can usually tend to the discoloration at home or with the help of a professional. Then, rinse away the paste and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. In some cases, nails that remain yellow despite repeated treatment can be a symptom of thyroid conditions, psoriasis, or diabetes. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse in Maryland. The good news? Then, pour 3-4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide into cup of water, mix them well. Tea Tree Oil 7. The nicotine and tar from cigarettes can cause yellow staining on the nails. Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice . Always wear fresh socks, and expose your feet to fresh air frequently to avoid toenail infections like athletes foot. Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. National Organization for Rare Disorders. If yellow nail syndrome is the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, vitamin E supplements, and corticosteroids. Here, we tapped experts to get the scoop on what causes yellow nails and how to remedy them. 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