Dermatologists Explain All the Possibilities, Nail Wraps Are the Mani Shortcut You Didn't Know You NeededHere's How to Apply Them, Medical Pedicures Can Totally Transform Your Feet, How to Fix a Broken Nail, According to Manicurists, How to Stop Peeling Nails In Their Tracks, These Are the 12 Most Common Causes of Hair Loss For Women. ", "The lemon and toothpaste one helped me the most!". One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. A Definitive Answer, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! For example, if you're a smoker and your nails are tobacco-stained, you'll need to quit smoking. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Although, it's much more prevalent on the toes than the fingers. Read on to find out more about what causes yellow nails and how to get rid of this condition. Lemon can efficiently help to get rid of yellow nails because it is a natural bleaching agent. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. I'm so pleased to have some new advice & ways of preventing this hideous problem, can't wait to try them out! 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. Use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back, then use a 4-way buffer to gently buff away the stains on your nails. Picking off nail polish and pressing on your nails can cause them to peel. Yellow nails are not to be ignored, and finding out the underlying cause will lead to healthier nails and better general health. Lemon has natural bleaching properties which might help lift the stains on your hands. After attempting to treat yellow nails at home, your condition should begin to improve. Lambert, E. M., Dziura, J., Kauls, L., Mercurio, M., & Antaya, R. J. Mia Rubie. Yellow nail syndrome in three siblings: A randomized double-blind trial of topical vitamin E. Flores, F. C., de Lima, J. By using our site, you agree to our. These include: Melanonychia is a condition that results in discoloration of the nails. However, sometimes the problem persists even after you discontinue it. If you use this method and it irritates your skin, then rinse the bleach off of your skin right away. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Seek medical attention if any of these methods cause significant skin irritation, pain, discomfort, or make your condition worse in anyway. Yellow nails can range from slightly discolored to a distinctly dark yellowish tint. The fungus can cause your nails to become thick, brittle, and discoloured. "This condition, which is an excess of beta-carotene, is most commonly seen in children," Maiman says, and in addition to yellow nails, it can also cause skin-yellowing, too. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 ", best for me. 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 . You can also just leave the paste on your toenails to absorb for a few minutes before you scrub. A typical cause of yellow nails is using a dark shade of nail polish. Use a nail brush to apply the paste to the yellow areas of your skin and let it sit for 15 minutes. Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of 19 essential oils [Abstract]. Fungal infections commonly cause nail discoloration. % of people told us that this article helped them. 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. 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. In fact, it might be as simple as spacing out your manicure appointmentsbut more on that later. 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. 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. You can also rub the cut side of a lemon on your nails, then let it sit for 10 minutes to lighten them. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) 5. Alternatively, apply a thin layer of whitening toothpaste to your yellow nails to get rid of the stains. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 142,540 times. There are, however, other causes of, From infections to the normal side effects of aging, cracked nails have many causes. Oregano Oil 8. This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. 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. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Thats probably because, as Emily Splichal, DPM, says, Most people think of fungus as the only cause of yellowing nails." Dry your nails and apply moisturizing lotion and cuticle oil. Do not rub your finger for more than a few seconds since it can cause irritation. Always wear fresh socks, and expose your feet to fresh air frequently to avoid toenail infections like athletes foot. A good clarifying shampoo is perfect for this purpose and in many cases it will be all you need to get the yellowing removed. Andrea Jordan is a beauty and lifestyle freelance writer covering topics from hair and skincare to family and home. Tobacco-stained fingers may be more than a cosmetic issue. They do present some common side effects, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Toothpaste 6. Keep in mind that this method will sting if you have any small cuts on your fingers. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012. How to Cure Toenail Fungus: Can Vinegar Help? Keep reading to see what they had to say about getting rid of yellow nails. Dissolve two or three uncoated aspirin tablets in a bowl of hot water and soak your hands for 15 minutes. References She also recommends applying a base coat to act as a barrier between the nail and the pigment. Then, rinse away the paste and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. That, or a stubbed toenail. Apply a gentle moisturizer to your hands and nails. Yellow nail syndrome. Be mindful of nail salons and spas that could spread fungal infections and disease to customers. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. Nails that are entirely white except for a small band of pink or brown at the tip are called Terrys nails. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse off with tepid water. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. 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. Yes, smoking often leads to tobacco-stained fingers and nails. 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. It likely isn't permanent. Although: "Some articles claim that deficiencies of vitamin B12 and zinc can cause yellow nails, but it's not common," says Maiman. A condition called yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is indicated by continually yellow nails and respiratory or lymphatic problems. Try wearing some vinyl or leather gloves to protect your fingers even more. Mixing hydrogen peroxide into warm water and soaking the nails may improve the appearance of stains, and adding baking soda will make it even more effective. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Peroxide and baking soda . You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. at my hands. Be aware that no oral or topical antifungal is 100 percent effective and recurrence of nail fungus is common. By using our site, you agree to our. Read our, How Long Does It Take Nail Polish to Dry? Be sure to use small circles and take your time to avoid damaging your nails. Yellow nails are a bona fide beauty concern. Scrub your nails using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda for 2-3 minutes to quickly lighten them. Obviously all this did was make it worse. Try to get into the habit of washing your hands with soap and warm water right after you finish smoking. Treatment for yellow nails depends on the cause. Hydrogen Peroxide 3. Next, soak your nails into this solution for about minutes. Not only is it a cosmetic problem, but researchers have noted an association between tobacco-stained skin and nails and smoking-related diseases. Tea Oil Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. 2020;11(1):1-11. doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_167_19. Orange Peel 9. If you look at the filter of your cigarette, you'll see very tiny holes will be circling the filter. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Common Nail Problems During Cancer Treatment. At-home biomarker tests can screen for fertility, heart health, STIs, and certain cancers. Yellow nail syndrome. In order to fully treat yellowed nails, the nails themselves have to be bare, with no layers of polish or varnish. 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. Health benefits of quitting smoking over time. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply to the yellowing toenails. Although, those stains are more than a mere cosmetic concern: "This can also cause the nail plates to become brittle," says Maiman. Chaftar, N., Girardot, M., Labanowski, J., Ghrairi, T., Hani, K., Frre, J., & Imbert, C. (2015, November 14). See here for our favorite vitamins for nails. 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. For example, with a rare disease called yellow nail syndrome, other symptoms include respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, and lower limb swelling. See your physician if home remedies arent helpful in eliminating discoloration. Many things can cause yellow nails, including staining from substances like nail polish or a serious underlying health condition. Additionally, the color of your nail polish could actually be staining your nails, according to nail expert Evelyn Lim, and is more likely to happen with colors that are very pigmented. You could blend some tepid water with apple juice vinegar. Once all nail polish is removed, you can fully see the stained areas of your nails! "Next gently scrub the surface of the nails with a soft toothbrush and rinse with water," Maiman says. 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. Lindsey Metrus is the associate general manager at Byrdie and has been with the brand since 2015. Natural forms of vitamin E: Metabolism, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and the role in disease prevention and therapy. This is usually noticeable in people who have smoked regularly for a long period of time. Fungal infections may require antifungals. Fungal nail infections are often treated with antifungal medications, laser therapy, or nail removal. Soak your nails for 20 minutes before drying them with a towel or air-drying. If you hold the cigarette while taking a drag, it will discolor your finger. Kaitlyn McClintock contributed to Byrdie for over two years, most recently covering beauty news for the brand. "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. 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. Fingernails, on the other hand, will need different cleaning products. Once you've rubbed each nail, leave them to dry for 10 minutes. This method works best with Listerine or a similar alcohol-based mouthwash. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. In this case, 89% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Thick, brittle, yellow toenails are often caused by a fungal infection known as onychomycosis. Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. Fungal infection. Directions: In a small bowl, add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of warm water. There are plenty of home remedies that you can try to treat the condition. It's available by prescription only, though, so seeing a medical professional is necessary. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties (12) that can fight off fungal infections that cause nail discoloration in the first place. Dip a nail brush to the solution then apply this to the yellowed parts of your fingers. 2013;3(11):e003304. "I have had yellow finger stains for years. 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