Other Effective Natural Treatments For Thick Yellow Nails
- Lemon essential oil. Another way to use lemon is through its essential oil, which you can find in stores that sell natural products. In this case, the benefit is twofold since, in addition to cleaning your nails, it hydrates the cuticles.
- Hydrogen peroxide. Another very easy method is to apply hydrogen peroxide, especially if you have a fungal infection in your nails. Simply apply a few drops to each nail for one to two weeks. This treatment works best if you exfoliate your nails every two to three days.
- Effervescent cleanser tablets for dentures. Just as theyre useful to whiten dentures, they can help you with your thick yellow nails. Soak your fingers in a container with this product and let it act for the time indicated on the box.
- Baking soda. Another inexpensive recipe to whiten your nails is to make a paste with this ingredient and water. With a brush, apply and rub it on each nail, let it act for a few minutes, and gently exfoliate. If you do this frequently, the yellow spots will soon disappear!
- Finally, olive oil, baking soda, and lemon. An infallible combination to whiten and strengthen your nails and make your nails softer, all in one. The only thing you need to do is to make a paste with the three ingredients, apply it, rub it in, and let it act.
How Is Yellow Nail Syndrome Diagnosed
Usually, your healthcare provider can diagnose yellow nail syndrome based on your symptoms. You may also have:
- Pulmonary function tests to assess your lung health.
- Nail tests to rule out other nail conditions, such as an infection.
Yellow nails could point to many conditions, such as a fungal infection or psoriasis. But if you have yellow nails along with respiratory symptoms, your healthcare provider might need to rule out yellow nail syndrome.
Preventing Yellow Toe Nails
Also Check: How Do I Start My Own Nail Business From Home
Diy Tips To Get Rid Of Stained Nails
The thing about nails is that they get discolored or stained pretty easily. And stained nails can turn out to be another cause of embarrassment because look unsightly. But do not fret, you can whiten your nails that have been stained with some effective home made remedies. The following tips and tricks will help you to un-stain your nails and make them shiny once again, so that you can stop feeling uncomfortable in front of others. Try these tips mentioned below and tell us which one worked for you the best.Also Read – Makeup And Skincare: Shahnaz Husain Shares A Step-by-Step Guide For Correct Makeup Removal
Other Medical Conditions That May Cause Yellow Toenails
- Psoriasis: A salmon patch that looks like a pink- or yellow-colored oil drop develops on the nail when psoriasis affects the nail bed.
- Sarcoidosis: Yellow discoloration of the nails, often with pitting, bleeding under the nails, hyperpigmentation of the nail bed, or inflammation of the skin around the nails.
- Diabetes: Yellowing, brittleness, and thickening of the nails due to decreased circulation.
- Thyroid disease: Yellow nails, plus overgrowth of the nails, lifting of the nail off the nail bed, nail clubbing, and swelling of the toes and fingers.
Also Check: How To Do Your Own Powder Dip Nails
Use Lemon Juice And Soapy Water
Use a solution of lemon juice and soapy water to get rid of the stain. You can find both easily in your kitchen cabinet. So when you use this solution, the acidic properties of lemon juice will dissolve all the stain particles from your nails and the soap water will further ease the process. To use this solution in one cup of water pour two tablespoon of liquid soap and one fourth cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Soak your nails in this solution for about five minutes. Wash your hands in running water and them moisturize them.
Get To The Root Cause
Thick, brittle, yellow toenails are frequently caused by onychomycosis, a fungal infection. Trichophyton rubrum, a dermatophyte, is the most common culprit. Other factors may also be to blame. Repetitive microtrauma to the nail can cause the nail to become brittle and fungus-like over time.
Injuries to the toenail, such as stubbing it or dropping a heavy object on it, can permanently damage the nail-producing cells and cause the nail to thicken and become wavy.
Recommended Reading: How To Have Healthy Nails
How To Treat Fungal Nail Effectively
Owing to the high recurrence rate of fungal nail infections, pharmacy professionals should be able to advise patients on effective treatment and preventative and appropriate self-care strategies to avoid re-infection.
Shutterstock
Fungal nail infection is a mycotic infection caused by fungal invasion of the nail structure and is one of the most common nail disorders, representing half of nail abnormalities in adults. Its prevalence in Europe is around 4.3% over all age groups and 15.5% of all nail dystrophies in children. OM is more commonly diagnosed in men and older people, affecting 2050% of people aged over 60 years. An increased incidence among older people may be attributed to multiple factors, including reduced peripheral circulation, diabetes, inactivity, relative immunosuppression, and reduced nail growth and quality. Toenails are affected more commonly than fingernails.
This article will cover the causes, types and treatment of OM, practical information to help guide patient consultations and when to refer to podiatry.
How To Prevent Yellow Toenails
For preventing yellow toenails, we have compiled a list of dos and donts to keep in mind now and throughout the year.
- Use flip-flops on pool decks.
- Remove socks when they become wet.
- Avoid tight-fitting shoes.
- Thoroughly dry feet and toes after washing or swimming.
- Follow good foot and nail hygiene.
- Maintain toenails by clipping straight across and not too short.
Yellow toenails can be unsightly and possibly harmful to your health. If you notice a discoloration of your nails along with changes to the shape or texture, take heed as to whether it is from a fungal infection or a life habit. The yellow coloring may be just a stain from prolonged use of dark nail polish and can be treated with natural bleaching solutions.
Serious infections need to be attended to in order to prevent further complications. All issues of yellowing of the toenails may be prevented with several lifestyle changes.
Related Articles:
Read Also: Where Can I Buy Dr Remedy Nail Polish
What Causes Yellow Nails
To be honest, yellow nails are commonly attributed to the overuse of nail polish . While this is mostly correct, it is not the entire tale. Nail yellowing usually indicates that youve used a harsh product to colour your nails. The reported stain could indicate that you left your polish on for too long or you have an underlying fungal infection. However, even brief manicures can leave a yellow hue known to professionals as pigment migration.
Apply Lemon To Your Nails
Lemon is a natural bleaching agent, which can therefore help whiten the nails. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties that can fight off fungal infections that cause nail discoloration in the first place.
How to use:
- Mix 1 tsp of olive oil with 1 tsp honey, and apply the mixture to your cuticles. Then squeeze a lemon to extract fresh juice and apply the juice to your nails. Wash your nails with lukewarm water after 15 minutes to avoid brittleness.
- Alternatively, soak your nails in diluted lemon juice for 10â15 minutes, and then gently scrub them using a soft toothbrush. Rinse your nails and apply a moisturizer. Repeat this remedy twice a day. You can also use lemon essential oil instead of lemon juice.
Don’t Miss: How To Heal Toe Nail Fungus
Mellow The Yellow Nail Brightening Treatment
SKU: 921607010
- EASY RETURNS
- DescriptionInstantly brighten the look of yellowing nails with Mellow the Yellow. This opalescent Nail Brightening Treatment combines the power of Vitamin E and a blend of natural exfoliants, including Lemon Fruit Extract, to gently exfoliate dry, damaged nails. Mellow the Yellow not only conceals the yellow upon application, but also targets the root of the problem. Its skin-conditioning formula gently scrubs the surface of your nails to help improve the appearance of yellowing nails, leaving them brighter, smoother and looking renewed. The revolutionary pearly white nail colour and nail treatment formula gives the effect of a shimmery manicure look while working hard to brighten the look of nails and helping to repair damage from harsh nail formulas and practices.
Key Ingredient: Citrus Medica Limonum Fruit Extract: , Vitamin E , Lemon Extract and Lime Tree Extract , Red Algae , Tilia Platyphyllos Extract
Benefit: Instantly brighten the look of yellowing nails and treat the root of the problem while adding a pearly pop of posh opalescent colour
Colour: Opalescent
Coverage & Finish: Sheer coverage with an opalescent finish
Feel Good Beauty:
- Always Cruelty Free
- 10-FREE: butter LONDON does not add formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, DBP, toluene, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, xylene, parabens, gluten or TPHP to any of its nail product formulas.
Colour: Opalescent
Coverage & Finish: Sheer coverage with an opalescent finish
Feel Good Beauty:
Can Yellow Nail Syndrome Be Cured
In some people, symptoms may disappear completely. Nail symptoms may improve in up to 1 in 3 people who get treatment for yellow nail syndrome. Respiratory symptoms and swelling may also go away. But you may need to see your healthcare provider regularly to keep symptoms at bay.
Many people manage yellow nail syndrome long term. Especially if you have severe swelling or respiratory problems, youll likely need ongoing management.
Don’t Miss: How To Stop Nails From Splitting
When To Refer To Podiatry
Before initiating topical or oral therapy, patients should ideally be referred to a podiatrist for nail trimming and debridement. This assists with removing as much fungus as possible and improves topical drug penetration. Debridement alone cannot be recommended for the treatment of OM patients using a combination of debridement and topical nail lacquer have shown a significant improvement in mycological cure compared with debridement only. Patients with nail trauma owing to footwear, dystrophic toenails affecting other toes or who describe discomfort when walking owing to thickened toenails should also be referred.
When there is treatment failure with topical, oral and combination therapies, a podiatrist may be able to carry out a chemical or surgical nail avulsion .
If there is doubt over the original diagnosis, or where no improvement has been seen with treatment, pharmacists should refer patients to a podiatrist or their GP.
Supported by RB
RB provided financial support in the production of this content.
The authors were paid by The Pharmaceutical Journalto write this article and full editorial control was maintained by the journal at all times.
Do You Have Thick Yellow Nails
In principle, you should evaluate several factors. Starting with the internal causes, we can mention liver inflammation, such as that caused by hepatitis. On the other hand, the low availability of vitamins A and B causes a yellowish shade on the nails.
As for external reasons, the most common is tobacco use, since holding cigarettes in your hands stains your fingers and nails with nicotine. In these cases, the most affected fingers are the index and ring fingers of the hand you use to smoke.
Another cause of thick yellow nails is the continued use of nail polish or false nails. Among other reasons, the nails lose oxygenation due to the fact that theyre constantly covered, damaging the keratin and preventing cell regeneration.
The chemical components of nail polishes can include toluene, ethyl acetate, or butyl acetate, which are ultimately toxic to the skin and nails.
Also, you may notice thick yellow nails if you have a fungal infection under the nails thats weakening the keratin. Other internal causes are psoriasis, diabetes, or natural aging.
For more information: Natural Remedies for Yellow Nails
You May Like: What Is The Treatment For Nail Fungus
What Are The Causes Of Yellow Toenails
There are a range of causes for yellow toenails. Some you can help, others you cant. Some are nothing to worry about, while other times yellow toenails can stand in as a sign that something more serious is wrong.
Causes include:
- Infections
- Yellow Nail Syndrome
Aging is one of the most common causes of yellow toenails, but theres nothing you can really do about this cause. You can treat the yellow toenails, but youll only be alleviating a symptom, not eliminating the root issue, which is just that youre getting older.
Theres nothing to really worry about in this instance, though. Your yellow toenails are just that and nothing more.
The same goes for if your yellow toenails are caused by nail polish or pedicure habits. Sometimes, certain nail polishes and pedicure products can turn your nails slightly yellow. All you have to do is stop using your products for a while, and youll see the yellow go away.
On a more serious note, sometimes yellow toenails are a sign of a medical issue. Yellow Nail Syndrome, for example, is a disorder that causes you to grow thick, slow, curved nails with a yellowish hue and can cause more serious problems such as respiratory issues.
Other times, yellow toenails are a sign of a fungal infection, or theyre a symptom of another, more serious medical condition, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disorder .
Use Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda
Make a soak from hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. The mix will work like an effective stain remover. To make the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda solution mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and one tablespoon of baking soda with 125 ml hot water in a small plastic bowl. Stir this solution with a spoon until the powder dissolves and then dip your nails into the solution for up to 10 minutes. Then wash you hands with soap and water and make sure you moisturize them well with cream as hydrogen peroxide can be harsh on your skin and strip away the moisture. Also Read – 5 Home Remedies to Get Longer, Thicker Eyelashes Naturally
You May Like: Where Can I Buy Better Nail
What Causes Yellow Nail Syndrome
Experts dont know what causes yellow nail syndrome. Most people develop the syndrome for no known reason.
Some experts believe that yellow nail syndrome results from issues with your circulatory or lymphatic system. When these systems dont work as they should, it can cause fluid to collect in the soft tissues under your skin. In turn, this may turn your nails yellow.
Some researchers think that yellow nail syndrome is genetic. There may be a link between a mutation in the FOXC2 gene and yellow nail syndrome. FOXC2 gene mutations cause a condition called lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome. This condition has similar symptoms to yellow nail syndrome.
Other researchers think theres a link between yellow nail syndrome and titanium exposure. Joint replacements, dental implants and certain medications can increase your titanium exposure. But most people with titanium implants dont develop yellow nail syndrome.
How Can I Prevent Yellow Nail Syndrome
Theres no guaranteed way to prevent yellow nail syndrome. If you have titanium implants, pay attention to symptoms that could point to yellow nail syndrome and see your healthcare provider if you have pain or discomfort. If you have a relative who had problems with a dental or surgical implant, speak with your healthcare provider about your risks before getting an implant.
You May Like: Is Nature’s Bounty Hair Skin And Nails Good
Apply Mixture Of Baking Soda And Lemon Juice On Yellow Nails:
Baking soda mixed with lemon juice has conditioning properties. Take a bowl and add 6 tsp of baking soda and 1 tsp of lemon juice, mix well, the mixture should be like a thick paste, then leave the mixture for about 3 minutes. Apply this mixture onto nails, leave it for 5 minutes. Then wash it with water, using brushes.
Treatment For Yellow Toenails
If you find you have a case of yellow toenails and youre not sure you need to go to the doctor just yet, there are a few things you can do at home to try to eliminate the problem.
Firstly, stop using any nail polish or pedicure products. You want your toes to remain clean and untouched as you monitor them for changes.
Keep your toes clean and dry and give the nails minimal care, with short cuts to the nail, making sure youre always using clean nail clippers.
Wear clean, breathable socks every day. Avoid ill-fitting shoes. If you sweat in your shoes a lot, air them out between wears.
If you do think you need to go to the doctor for your yellow toenails, they might prescribe you an antifungal medication , which is often a cream or medicated polish that you apply to your nails/toes regularly. Antibiotics are also sometimes prescribed.
You May Like: Do You Need To Be Licensed To Do Nails
No More Yellow Toenails
Getting rid of yellow toenails once you have them can be a pain, but it doesnt have to be overly tricky. Just remember, like anything in life, it will take some time to fix the discoloration. If you notice the discoloration not going away or getting worse after a few weeks of an at-home treatment, you will want to make an appointment with a podiatrist for further inspection.
Whether you need a prescription from your doctor or a little patience for one of the at-home remedies discussed above, you can show off pristine, healthy nails free of toenail fungus or nail discoloration, just in time for sandal season! No matter what time of year it is
Holly Riddle
