Other things can be to blame, too. Yellow nails are a bona fide beauty concern. This article was medically reviewed by Jennifer Boidy, RN. Try to get into the habit of washing your hands with soap and warm water right after you finish smoking. These include: Most of the time, nail discoloration resolves after you stop taking the medication. Household products like a paste of baking soda and water or toothpaste with whitening agents can help eliminate yellowing of the fingernails. However, sometimes the problem persists even after you discontinue it. Its effective against bacteria and fungi, which makes it a great treatment if youre not sure whats causing your nails to become yellow. So we asked Splichal and Mark Kosinski, DPM, FIDSA, a professor with the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, to explain the various causes of and treatments for color-changing nails as well as how we can prevent them. It can be caused by fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, inflammatory disorders, tumors, systemic diseases like endocrine disorders and AIDS, trauma, and nutritional deficiencies. Andrea Jordan is a beauty and lifestyle freelance writer covering topics from hair and skincare to family and home. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. We like the biotin supplement from Nature's Bounty, as it bolsters nail health from the inside out. 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. Once you meet with a physician to properly diagnose the underlying cause of yellowing nails, you can then move on to remedying the problem. Kathi Valeii is a freelance writer covering the intersections of health, parenting, and social justice. In addition, smoking can sometimes stain nails yellow. Home Remedies To Treat Yellow And Thick Nails A mixture of olive oil, baking soda and lemon bleaches, strengthens and softens the nails and hands. Nail Psoriasis vs. Fungus: What Are the Differences? Let your nails soak for 10 minutes, then remove and rinse! Your nails can tell you loads about your health, so you might want to head over to your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Then, pour 3-4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide into cup of water, mix them well. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. A condition called yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is indicated by continually yellow nails and respiratory or lymphatic problems. Obviously all this did was make it worse. See here for our favorite vitamins for nails. Ciclopirox is applied to the nail much like a nail polish. Be aware that no oral or topical antifungal is 100 percent effective and recurrence of nail fungus is common. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. 2. The good news? Stained and yellowed nails can be extremely unappealing, especially when you want to give your nails breathing time in between polishes. To prevent yellow nails, always apply a base coat before painting them with nail polish. Scrub your nails using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda for 2-3 minutes to quickly lighten them. "In fact, vitamin B12 more commonly causes blue . Why do smokers nails turn yellow? Wrap the nail in foil and repeat on the rest of your nails. Not only is it a cosmetic problem, but researchers have noted an association between tobacco-stained skin and nails and smoking-related diseases. Yes, one way to free your fingers from yellow stain from nicotine is by using a dilute solution of water and bleach. Yellow nails can signify an underlying issue not related to polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes. Why Do We Pick at Our Nails? Soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes each day until you are happy with the results. Pour 3-4 tablespoons (15 ml per tablespoon) of 3% hydrogen peroxide into half a cup (118.5 ml) of water and stir well. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). "The best way to avoid getting fungus in your nail is to avoid traumathis means avoiding improperly fitted shoes that cause banging into the shoes or excessive pressure," says Splichal. The color on the nails can range from light yellow to dark brown. Not to mention, this condition can also be hereditary, although it's pretty rare. It's very embarrassing and I never wanted anyone to look. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Then, rinse away the paste and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. "Combine 3 to 4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and one-half cup of water," she says. A study has shown that tea tree oil can effectively stop common strains of nail fungus from growing. To get rid of yellow nails, start by buffing them to sand off the top layer and expose the clean nail underneath. The bulk of her work centers on parenting, education, health, and social justice. Mix the solution well and soak the nails for two minutes. 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? Then, use a toothbrush to scrub the stains on your hands until they're all gone. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse off with tepid water. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. After you've rinsed them off, apply a moisturizer to your hands and nails to prevent them from drying out. "It is important to start treatment early while the area of nail involvement is still small," says Kosinski. (2003, February), doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.03.035, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/prevention/con-20019319, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/symptoms/con-20019319, health.harvard.edu/skin-and-hair/toenail-problems, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Causes of Terrys Nails and How to Treat Them, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Permanently. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Doctors may even need to prescribe oral and/or topical treatments in some cases, so it's really worth the trip. Healthy nail growth will gradually replace the yellowed appearance of your nails. Juniper berries act as a strong disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by a fungal infection. You can repeat this process three times a day for up to a month. 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. Buffing your nails will help to remove the yellow stains that may be caused by smoking. In the hookah method, you hold the metal holster mid-way while breathing in from one end while the back end is hooked up to a larger container of tobacco that is being heated. Even a humble nail polish could be to blame for yellowed nailsand therefore should be applied only periodically. By Kathi Valeii She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012. Thanks for advice, hope it works now! Obviously, this would call for medical intervention and dietary changeslike eating a diet lower in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats, vegetables, and proteinswould likely be necessary, as well. Treatment is geared toward the underlying cause. Ahrari, F., Hasanzadeh N., Rajabi O., & Forouzannejad, Z. According to Self, the pigments in dark-colored nail polish may react with natural compounds found within the nail plate. Read on to see if its right for you. The lotion can help to reduce the smell of the cigarette smoke as well. Trim your nails frequently, and sweep dirt out from underneath your nails with a nail brush once or twice a week. BMJ Open. "Trauma is the number-one cause to nail fungus.". If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. It is a 100% Australian Tea Tree Oil that has multiple benefits. Her work also appears in BuzzFeed, StyleCaster, and Yahoo. Yellow nails are not to be ignored, and finding out the underlying cause will lead to healthier nails and better general health. Consider adding a few drops of lemon juice into this paste to give the mixture even more whitening power. You should use this solution which is just 3% hydrogen peroxide. "The more extensive the involvement, the more difficult the infection is to treat.". If you frequently wear nail polish, you may notice that your nails become stained yellow. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. "If it is a fungus, there are many options for treatment, including laser therapy, topical medication, and pills," says Kosinski. These include: 6 Tetracyclines (an antibiotic used to treat acne and other bacterial infections) Quinolones (a type of antibiotic) Clofazimine (an antibiotic used to treat leprosy) Combivir (a medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV) One study noted an 84% frequency of tobacco-related diseases among people with tobacco-stained fingers. It can also mean that your nails have been stained by a product like nail polish, or that youre having an allergic reaction. That's why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like vitamin E, are beloved in nail care. This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. If your nails are discolored because of a bacterial infection or fungus, tea tree oil is any easy treatment you can try. The lemon juice can lighten your nails much in the same way it can lighten hair when it is sprayed on and exposed to the sun. Be mindful of nail salons and spas that could spread fungal infections and disease to customers. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties (12) that can fight off fungal infections that cause nail discoloration in the first place. Anyone can get nail fungus, but it is more common if you have a foot or nail injury, diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor circulation, or a fungal infection elsewhere on the body. When they become discolored, it usually means that youve picked up an infection or nail fungus. Hydrogen peroxide goes deep into the nail and lightens the coloring, similar to the way that bleach strips the color out of hair. John G, Pasche S, Rothen N, Charmoy A, Delhumeau-Cartier C, Genn D. Tobacco-stained fingers: a clue for smoking-related disease or harmful alcohol use? Lambert, E. M., Dziura, J., Kauls, L., Mercurio, M., & Antaya, R. J. ", it makes my fingers really sore. However, its easy to file your nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged. "This can occur as a result of trauma, chemicals, certain medications and also certain inflammatory conditions like psoriasis," Maiman says. By using our site, you agree to our. Scrub your nails using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda for 2-3 minutes to quickly lighten them. 4. Alternatively, apply a thin layer of whitening toothpaste to your yellow nails to get rid of the stains. However, in some cases, with heavy smokers or yellowing that has been on the hair for a long period, you may . All rights reserved. Research even shows vitamin E can helpsupport a healthy, fresh nail color4. Always wear fresh socks, and expose your feet to fresh air frequently to avoid toenail infections like athletes foot. A., Ribeiro, R. F., Alves, S. H., Rolim, C. M., Beck, R. C., & da Silva, C. B., (2013, April). Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. There's nothing wrong with a faux-glow, but just like these at-home tanners can cause palms to look yellowish-orange, the same goes for your fingernails. Fingernails, on the other hand, will need different cleaning products. This means its a great treatment for nails stained by product use. Dissolve two or three uncoated aspirin tablets in a bowl of hot water and soak your hands for 15 minutes. Natural forms of vitamin E: Metabolism, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and the role in disease prevention and therapy. Yes, smoking often leads to tobacco-stained fingers and nails. Then, dip your nails into the solution and soak them for about 15 minutes. Especially if you're using traditional polishes that contain formaldehyde, camphor, and toluene, as these harsher ingredients can weaken the nail plate. Other causes of yellow nails include; fungal infection, allergic reaction, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, thyroid disorder, liver disease, smoking . These home remedies are based on those causes of discoloration. Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. (2015, July 21). Prevent future stains by using a hookah or a metal pipe instead of just holding the cigarette with your hands. Vitamin or mineral deficiencies can cause nails to appear yellow, and introducing a multivitamin supplement to your regiment may stop the problem. Add one teaspoon of crushed juniper berries to a bowl of warm water. In this case, 89% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Most likely, your nails have become discolored because of an infection you have or a product you used. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! But it's really bad at the moment so I thought I would Google it to see if there was anything else I can do & this wonderful piece came up! Mia Rubie. Tip #1: Using Baking Soda or Toothpaste. Be it ridges, discoloration, or overall brittleness (which can also lead to yellow nails, as we noted above). "The most common culprit is a dermatophyte known as Trichophyton rubrum," says Kosinski. In fact, it might be as simple as spacing out your manicure appointmentsbut more on that later. The bleaching agent helps restore the natural color of your nails. Use a clean cotton ball and more nail polish remover as needed. See your physician if home remedies arent helpful in eliminating discoloration. at my hands. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. Nail fungus: symptoms, Toenail problems: nails. She received her bachelor's in Magazine Journalism from Temple University and you can find her work at top publications like InStyle, PopSugar, StyleCaster, Business Insider, PureWow and OprahMag. Treatment for yellow nails depends on the cause. He is a clinical professor at the University of Colorado in Denver, and co-founder and practicing dermatologist at the Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Colorado. 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. This article has been viewed 142,540 times. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. "Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is right for you.". 10. Let them dissolve completely. The condition is benign2, which means no cause for concern, but you might still want to get it checked out by a doctor to make sure there are no other underlying issues. Thick, brittle, yellow toenails are often caused by a fungal infection known as onychomycosis. This is usually noticeable in people who have smoked regularly for a long period of time. Although: "Some articles claim that deficiencies of vitamin B12 and zinc can cause yellow nails, but it's not common," says Maiman. Dry your nails and apply moisturizing lotion and cuticle oil. Along with the causes of dark. Smoking. Sometimes surgery is required for respiratory problems, like pleural effusions (fluid-filled membranes in the lungs). Lemon juice: Soaking your nails in lemon juice will get rid of those yellow stains. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Get-Rid-of-Yellow-Nails-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Yellow-Nails-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Get-Rid-of-Yellow-Nails-Step-1.jpg\/aid2206095-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Yellow-Nails-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"