A typical cause of yellow nails is using a dark shade of nail polish. Wrap the nail in foil and repeat on the rest of your nails. A Definitive Answer, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Antifungal activity of nanocapsule suspensions containing tea tree oil on the growth of Trichophyton rubrum [Abstract]. Yellow nails are a condition that a healthcare provider should check out. Be sure to use small circles and take your time to avoid damaging your nails. Yellow nails can signify an underlying issue not related to polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes. You can repeat this process up to five times per day. "In fact, vitamin B12 more commonly causes blue nails, not yellow." Moisten a cotton ball with nail polish remover and rub it over the yellow stains until they are no longer visible 2. After rinsing off the toothpaste, apply lotion to your hands and nails to keep them hydrated. Approved. Another solution is potato. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice . Household products like a paste of baking soda and water or toothpaste with whitening agents can help eliminate yellowing of the fingernails. unlocking this expert answer. Lambert, E. M., Dziura, J., Kauls, L., Mercurio, M., & Antaya, R. J. Mix well and place your fingertips in the bowl. Fungal nail infections are often treated with antifungal medications, laser therapy, or nail removal. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and cat, Silas. Not only is the discoloration embarrassing, having yellow toenails can signify a more serious problem, like a fungal infection, diabetes, or even psoriasis.More often than not, however, yellow nails are caused by either smoking or wearing dark nail polish without first applying a base coat. I have tried a couple in the past, but am now going to try the others until I find the, "All the solutions I've never heard of trying! Health benefits of quitting smoking over time. Nails can tell you a lot about your overall health. Buffing your nails will help to remove the yellow stains that may be caused by smoking. By using our site, you agree to our. Juniper berries act as a strong disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by a fungal infection. You can also use aspirin to remove nicotine stains. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. References Often it presents as a dark stripe. Directions: In a small bowl, add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of warm water. The color on the nails can range from light yellow to dark brown. Chaftar, N., Girardot, M., Labanowski, J., Ghrairi, T., Hani, K., Frre, J., & Imbert, C. (2015, November 14). Similar to using tea tree oil for treatment, oregano oil should be mixed with a carrier oil before being applied topically to the affected nail or nails. Following are few remedies to get rid of yellow nails that are very efficient. And if the medication causes your yellow nails, you should talk with a healthcare provider about alternatives that don't have that side effect. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Other things can be to blame, too. Seek medical attention if any of these methods cause significant skin irritation, pain, discomfort, or make your condition worse in anyway. In this case, Splichal says that "keratin or biotin supplements are helpful." Stop rubbing the area if it becomes red or. 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. The simple way to stop it to simply hold the cigarette with your lips instead of your fingers. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. As a result, they become discolored, brittle, and weak. Tea tree oil is a disinfectant and naturally fights fungus, which could help combat the yellowing of your nails. Why Do We Pick at Our Nails? Although, it's much more prevalent on the toes than the fingers. Lemon Method 1- Lemon Juice Method 2- Lemon Juice, Olive Oil and Honey Method 3- Lemon Juice with Glycerin 2. 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. "Your doctor can take a (painless) scraping of the affected nail and send it to the lab to tell if your nail problem is indeed caused by a fungus," Kosinski says. Never stop taking a medication without first talking with a healthcare provider. Sure, you can always schedule a manicure to cover up the appearance of yellow-tinted nails (assuming the hue is cosmetic-related and doesn't signal a health issue), but there's also an easy way to clear the color at home. Along with the causes of dark. Yellow nails are not to be ignored, and finding out the underlying cause will lead to healthier nails and better general health. Dip a cotton ball into the bowl to saturate it with acetone and press the cotton ball onto the top of one nail. It is sometimes associated with autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), lymphatic diseases, and cancers. Cut a potato in half and rub it into your skin. When she's not writing, you can find Andrea tackling new recipes in the kitchen or babysitting one of her many nieces and nephews. Support wikiHow by When yellowing is caused by fungus, oral prescriptions such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox) can be effective. "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. Potato helped me removed nicotine stains from my fingers. 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! Yellow nails may look alarming, but don't fretthey can happen for a variety of reasons, and in most cases, the fix isn't as challenging as you'd think. 3. "The dye interacts with the keratin of the nail and causes it to be yellow," she says. Yellow nail syndrome in three siblings: A randomized double-blind trial of topical vitamin E. Flores, F. C., de Lima, J. The smoke by volume is much greater with a hookah than a typical cigarette. If this isnt enough to get rid of the stains, then you can also soak your fingers in the solution for five minute intervals five times a day. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. You can repeat this process once a day for one week. The smoke is cooled as it passes through a water system before going through the pipe the user inhales from. Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse in Maryland. Apply a gentle moisturizer to your hands and nails. A., Ribeiro, R. F., Alves, S. H., Rolim, C. M., Beck, R. C., & da Silva, C. B., (2013, April). Thanks for advice, hope it works now! But others may be a symptom of a fungal infection or an underlying health condition. Mix four parts of water to one part peroxide, and soak for ten minutes. Specifically, if the active ingredient in self-tanners called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) gets on your fingers as you apply, it can give your nails a dark yellow hue, Maiman says. If your nails continue to be yellow, there may be something else going on in your body. Let's break down a few of the most common reasons for yellow nails: If you're a fan of deep, vampy red or nearly black navy tips, Maiman says the dye in these types of polishes can actually cause yellow discoloration. Stained and yellowed nails can be extremely unappealing, especially when you want to give your nails breathing time in between polishes. Consider adding a few drops of lemon juice into this paste to give the mixture even more whitening power. Dont use nail polish remover on your nails more than once a week, and use a remover that is less harsh by choosing one that does not contain acetone. Fungal nail infections. You can use Bael Wellness Tea Tree Oil to prevent yellowing of your nails. If it doesnt improve over the course of 10 days to two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. If you have yellow nails, you may notice the following: Depending on the cause of the yellow nails, you may also notice additional symptoms. There are plenty of home remedies that you can try to treat the condition. All rights reserved. Some medications, especially antibiotics, cancer drugs, and acne medicines, can also cause yellow nails. Not to mention, this condition can also be hereditary, although it's pretty rare. If your nails have been damaged by dyes or harsh products, new nail growth should be a healthy, clear color. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Hydrogen peroxide has some whitening properties that can remove nicotine stains from your fingernails. After attempting to treat yellow nails at home, your condition should begin to improve. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply to the yellowing toenails. I would smoke, and try to cover the stain on my finger with the cigarette butt. If your nails are damaged (and, by default, yellowing significantly), talk to your doctor about other options. The best way to get rid of yellowing nails is to diagnose and treat the problem before it's spiraled out of control. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Sometimes yellow nails are a symptom of a bigger issue. Jiang, Q. The bulk of her work centers on parenting, education, health, and social justice. Soak your nails for 20 minutes before drying them with a towel or air-drying. Her work also appears in BuzzFeed, StyleCaster, and Yahoo. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. To combat this problem, you need to use a shampoo that will remove the residue left by the cigarette smoke. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. Top reasons why your nails are yellow. (2014). Soak your yellow nails in it for 15 minutes. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails. The dye from dark nail polish can seep into the nail enamel, leaving them permanently stained. "Nails are made of mainly hardened proteins," Lin explains (namely, a protein calledkeratin). Ultra-hydrating formula that nourishes your skin barrier, available in unscented and neroli. Read our. Case in point? Try wearing some vinyl or leather gloves to protect your fingers even more. Nail Artist. Nonetheless, it's still important to tend to the discoloration, no matter the hue. It likely isn't permanent. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. No More Yellow Toenails: Your Guide to Healthy Nails and Feet, Cracked Skin Around Nails: At-Home Remedies & Solutions. You can also rub the cut side of a lemon on your nails, then let it sit for 10 minutes to lighten them. See your physician if home remedies arent helpful in eliminating discoloration. Yellow nails are a bona fide beauty concern. Lemon. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. American Cancer Society. Keep reading to see what they had to say about getting rid of yellow nails. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Infections, trauma, nail polish stains, smoking, and medication side effects may be to blame for yellow nails. 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. Vitamin E is known to help cells retain moisture and look healthier. Try using a whitening toothpaste for extra tough nicotine stains. This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. Nails that are entirely white except for a small band of pink or brown at the tip are called Terrys nails. Tea Oil 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. They may decide it's best to finish the course (if it's short-term), or they may find another treatment option. National Organization for Rare Disorders. This method works best with Listerine or a similar alcohol-based mouthwash. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For more tips, including how to prevent your fingers from getting stained by nicotine, read on! If there's no medical condition causing your yellowed nails, you may simply have to wait for your nails to grow out before they return to their normal color. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties (12) that can fight off fungal infections that cause nail discoloration in the first place. You know all the different manicure shapes, youre familiar with the longest-lasting polish formulas, and you even frequent the best nail salons. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. It can be caused by fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, inflammatory disorders, tumors, systemic diseases like endocrine disorders and AIDS, trauma, and nutritional deficiencies. Most likely, your nails have become discolored because of an infection you have or a product you used. "Very handy article - bad pun not intended (maybe). Do not use this method if you are sensitive to bleach. Pour 3-4 tablespoons (15 ml per tablespoon) of 3% hydrogen peroxide into half a cup (118.5 ml) of water and stir well. Mix a drop or two of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil, and swab the mixture on the affected nail. Yellow nails can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from dark nail polishes to fungal treatments. Friendly reminder: You never want to apply the antibacterial on your skin without diluting it first. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse off with tepid water. For example, if you're a smoker and your nails are tobacco-stained, you'll need to quit smoking. Yellow nail syndrome. Consult a doctor or dermatologist for more serious skin conditions. Smoking. 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. A good clarifying shampoo is perfect for this purpose and in many cases it will be all you need to get the yellowing removed. They do present some common side effects, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Biotin Supplements - Biotin is a B-complex vitamin, also known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R and vitamin H. It promotes healthy cell growth and aids . Rubbing your nails with lemon juice or whole lemon and rinsing them with water after 10-30 minutes can make a great way to get your nails into their usual color again! A case-control study. Stir well with a spoon to create a slush-like mixture. Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Lucking, treating and preventing yellowed fingernails due to nail polish is quite easy, requiring only a few simple household items and some sensible nail care. Thankfully, yellow nails aren't impossible to fix. 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. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. at my hands. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Smoking causes a wide range of negative health effects, but it also has some obvious physical effects, such as yellow nicotine stains on your nails and fingers. But there are things you can try yourself to help repair and, Learn all about dark circles under your eyes. Soak your nails in the lukewarm water and denture cleaning mix for 10-15 minutes. If you are a smoker and want to get rid of your smokers lines, the best thing you can do is to quit smoking . Mayo Clinic Staff. "Trauma is the number-one cause to nail fungus.". "Repetitive micro-trauma to the nail (hitting the toenail against the inside of the shoe) can cause the nail, over time, to become brittle and give the appearance of fungus," he says. To use denture cleaning tablets to whiten your nails, follow these simple directions: Place 3 denture cleaning tablets in a cup of lukewarm water. Scrub your nails using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda for 2-3 minutes to quickly lighten them. This article broke down different solutions that were helpful.". You may want to request ciclopirox (Penlac Nail Lacquer) as an alternative prescription treatment. Nail fungus: symptoms, Toenail problems: nails. "I have had trouble with staining on my finger quite often. Dip a nail brush to the solution then apply this to the yellowed parts of your fingers. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Approved. Space out your applications to give your nails a break. We get it: The last thing you want is for your hands to be associated with fungus. I use a nail file every day; this does help keep it at bay but sometimes, "I'm a pack-a-day smoker, and I was beginning to get nicotine stains on my pointer and middle fingers. According to board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical Rachel Maiman, M.D., the causes of yellow nails can range from cosmetic concerns (like wearing dark nail polish) to underlying nail health issues (like fungal infections). Let's talk about yellow nails. It's formulated with argan oil, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to strengthen and nourish. 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. Likewise, it has antifungal properties which are useful in treating any kind of nail disease that prompts staining. You need to allow the juice to set for bit loner, about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. By using our site, you agree to our. Some causes are harmless, like staining from dark-colored nail polish. (That's our motto: When in doubt, ask an MD.) Split nails are often caused by an injury such as a stubbed toe or receiving a severe blow to a finger or thumb. These home remedies are based on those causes of discoloration. Use a nail brush to apply the paste to the yellow areas of your skin and let it sit for 15 minutes. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. This solution is applied topically to treat nail fragility and dystrophy like splitting, breaking, and peeling. This means its a great treatment for nails stained by product use. "Thank you! Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. Always wear fresh socks, and expose your feet to fresh air frequently to avoid toenail infections like athletes foot. You could also squeeze lemon juice into a bowl and use a cotton ball to apply the juice directly to your nails. Mix the solution well and soak the nails for two minutes. Kathi Valeii is a freelance writer covering the intersections of health, parenting, and social justice. Sometimes surgery is required for respiratory problems, like pleural effusions (fluid-filled membranes in the lungs). Tip #1: Using Baking Soda or Toothpaste. The good news is that you don't have to give up nail polish altogether. To prevent yellow nails, always apply a base coat before painting them with nail polish. Hydrogen peroxide goes deep into the nail and lightens the coloring, similar to the way that bleach strips the color out of hair. Thats probably because, as Emily Splichal, DPM, says, Most people think of fungus as the only cause of yellowing nails." Once you pinpoint the cause of your yellow hue, you can create an easy solution to fix it at home or visit a doctor who can get to the root of the issue. Emily Splichal, DPM, practices at the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine in New York. The Best 8 Home Remedies for Cysts: Do They Work? Youre a nail expert. In some cases, nails that remain yellow despite repeated treatment can be a symptom of thyroid conditions, psoriasis, or diabetes. Dip your nails into hydrogen peroxide. 23 April 2020. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. It can also mean that your nails have been stained by a product like nail polish, or that youre having an allergic reaction. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/onycholysis, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534878/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279547/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16918641/. In addition, smoking can sometimes stain nails yellow. {"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":"