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. This is important because if your yellow nails are due to fungus, you might need special treatment to completely get rid of it. If this is a condition you may be dealing with, it's best to visit a doctor to avoid infection. Alternatively, you can use a paste made of 1 tablespoon peroxide and 2.5 tablespoons of baking soda. In addition, smoking can sometimes stain nails yellow. After rinsing off the toothpaste, apply lotion to your hands and nails to keep them hydrated. It can be caused by fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, inflammatory disorders, tumors, systemic diseases like endocrine disorders and AIDS, trauma, and nutritional deficiencies. Lemon can efficiently help to get rid of yellow nails because it is a natural bleaching agent. Nail fungus: symptoms, Toenail problems: nails. Lemon. Nail Artist. Approved. More rarely, theyre a, Filing your nails is a good way to keep a uniform length and shape. 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. Be mindful of nail salons and spas that could spread fungal infections and disease to customers. Alternatively, rub some lemon juice on the stains. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://stylecaster.com/beauty-high/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-nails/, http://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/makeup/how-to/a41/nails-whiten-yellow/, http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcqvv/yellow-nail-stains, http://www.newhealthguide.org/Yellow-Toenails.html. The best way to get rid of yellowing nails is to diagnose and treat the problem before it's spiraled out of control. Use a nail brush to layer the paste on your affected nails. "Injuring the toenail by stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on it can permanently damage the nail-producing cells (known as the nail matrix) and cause the nail to grow thick and wavy. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and lecturer both in the U.S. and in the global arena. Andrea Jordan is a beauty and lifestyle freelance writer covering topics from hair and skincare to family and home. See here for our favorite vitamins for nails. Stop rubbing the area if it becomes red or. It likely isn't permanent. People Are Using Listerine as a Foot SoakSo Does It Work? Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. 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. 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. 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 . Nails that are entirely white except for a small band of pink or brown at the tip are called Terrys nails. Other things can be to blame, too. "It is important to start treatment early while the area of nail involvement is still small," says Kosinski. Oregano Oil 8. In addition to discoloration, you may also notice nails that stop growing, separate from the nail bed or are brittle. This information can often direct the next steps, if any. Hydrogen Peroxide 3. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse off with tepid water. In this case, Splichal says that "keratin or biotin supplements are helpful." Moisten a cotton ball with nail polish remover and rub it over the yellow stains until they are no longer visible 2. All rights reserved. It's very embarrassing and I never wanted anyone to look. (That's our motto: When in doubt, ask an MD.) Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. Soak your nails in the mixture for 15 minutes then use a toothbrush to buff off any remaining stains. The Best 8 Home Remedies for Cysts: Do They Work? "When your nails become weaker and thinner, you might experience discoloration with your nails, where they turn slightly yellow," adds Amy Lin, the founder ofsundaysa nail care brand focused on wellness. In some individuals, nail polish or nail polish remover can also chemically damage the nail plate.". Be aware that no oral or topical antifungal is 100 percent effective and recurrence of nail fungus is common. 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. Treatment is geared toward the underlying cause. In other words, don't keep your nails lacquered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. American Cancer Society. Split nails are often caused by an injury such as a stubbed toe or receiving a severe blow to a finger or thumb. 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. "When we're low in protein, calcium, or other vitamins, that can sometimes show up on your fingernails." You can also just leave the paste on your toenails to absorb for a few minutes before you scrub. Remember it can take up to a year to completely remove some causes of yellow nails, so the sooner you get started the better. Toothpaste 6. Fungus can only grow in an environment where the pH level is acidic. Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. 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. Stained and yellowed nails can be extremely unappealing, especially when you want to give your nails breathing time in between polishes. Thanks for advice, hope it works now! Baking soda can also be used to bleach yellow nails and help restore their natural color. The smoke by volume is much greater with a hookah than a typical cigarette. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. The most reliable way to remove a cyst is to have your doctor do it. Many things can cause yellow nails, including staining from substances like nail polish or a serious underlying health condition. When she's not writing, you can find Andrea tackling new recipes in the kitchen or babysitting one of her many nieces and nephews. Discover how to lessen their appearance or get rid of them permanently. "I have had yellow finger stains for years. 2013;3(11):e003304. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. 2014;23(151):180-182. 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? You may need to be referred to a dermatologist. Using lighter or sheer nail polish colors can give your nails a break from the harsh dyes found in darker polishes. 3. Applying lotion after you smoke is not a bad idea either. Scrub your nails using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda for 2-3 minutes to quickly lighten them. Baking soda has strong antifungal effects. However, more serious situations, like nail infections, yellow nail disease, lung syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause yellow nails. 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. Sometimes yellow nails are a symptom of a bigger issue. "Combine 3 to 4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and one-half cup of water," she says. Friendly reminder: You never want to apply the antibacterial on your skin without diluting it first. Smoking. In . If your nails are discolored because of a bacterial infection or fungus, tea tree oil is any easy treatment you can try. "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. You can also rub the cut side of a lemon on your nails, then let it sit for 10 minutes to lighten them. "Next gently scrub the surface of the nails with a soft toothbrush and rinse with water," Maiman says. She also recommends applying a base coat to act as a barrier between the nail and the pigment. The bulk of her work centers on parenting, education, health, and social justice. The lotion can help to reduce the smell of the cigarette smoke as well. "Trauma is the number-one cause to nail fungus.". Dissolve two or three uncoated aspirin tablets in a bowl of hot water and soak your hands for 15 minutes. This article has been viewed 930,159 times. If yellow nail syndrome is the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, vitamin E supplements, and corticosteroids. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both of these drugs have been flagged by the FDA as potentially dangerous to the liver for long-term use. Some causes are harmless, like staining from dark-colored nail polish. However, it is important to be aware that home remedies are not always effective. If your nails continue to be yellow, there may be something else going on in your body. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. If you wear dark nail polish and your nails are stained, you may need to switch to a lighter color and wear a base coat. 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. Do not use this method if you are sensitive to bleach. There are plenty of home remedies that you can try to treat the condition. I've always known about the toothpaste theory & lemon juice. Soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes each day until you are happy with the results. Her work also appears in BuzzFeed, StyleCaster, and Yahoo. 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? 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. With the use of a toothbrush, gently brush the toothpaste and baking soda mixture over your nails. It's formulated with argan oil, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to strengthen and nourish. However, in some cases, with heavy smokers or yellowing that has been on the hair for a long period, you may . These home remedies are based on those causes of discoloration. Like nail polish or a serious underlying health condition of a bacterial infection or fungus, you may be with... 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