Yellow nails can signify an underlying issue not related to polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes. B., Gasiska, T., Pawlik, B., & Oboza, A. 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. Occasionally nails might turn yellow as a symptom of something more serious, such as chronic lung conditions, internal malignancies, lymphatic obstructions, and even rheumatoid arthritis. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Do not rub your finger for more than a few seconds since it can cause irritation. The good news is that you don't have to give up nail polish altogether. If your nails are damaged (and, by default, yellowing significantly), talk to your doctor about other options. "If it is a fungus, there are many options for treatment, including laser therapy, topical medication, and pills," says Kosinski. 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. (That's our motto: When in doubt, ask an MD.) "When we're low in protein, calcium, or other vitamins, that can sometimes show up on your fingernails." Sometimes surgery is required for respiratory problems, like pleural effusions (fluid-filled membranes in the lungs). Add one teaspoon of crushed juniper berries to a bowl of warm water. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply to the yellowing toenails. Read our. Yellow nails are not to be ignored, and finding out the underlying cause will lead to healthier nails and better general health. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Not to mention, this condition can also be hereditary, although it's pretty rare. Well explain the few ways to do this. Mix a drop or two of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil,. 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. Smoking. Sometimes yellow nails are a symptom of a bigger issue. 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. "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. Apply an over-the-counter anti-fungal solution or cream to your nails, such as clotrimazole or undecylenic acid. Other metal pipes simply have you place the cigarette at one end of the pipe while you hold the metal tube and inhale from the free end. Lemon. Yellow isn't a frightening color until the hue invades your toenails. Other things can be to blame, too. ", best for me. Baking soda has strong antifungal effects. Nails that are entirely white except for a small band of pink or brown at the tip are called Terrys nails. If yellow nail syndrome is the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, vitamin E supplements, and corticosteroids. In some cases, nails that remain yellow despite repeated treatment can be a symptom of thyroid conditions, psoriasis, or diabetes. Vitamin E is known to help cells retain moisture and look healthier. Many things can cause yellow nails. Yellow nail syndrome is exactly what youd think a condition that causes nails to become discolored, ridged, and thick. 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) Yellow nails are a bona fide beauty concern. Research even shows vitamin E can helpsupport a healthy, fresh nail color4. Nail Psoriasis vs. Fungus: What Are the Differences? Juniper berries act as a strong disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by a fungal infection. Vicks VapoRub How To Get Rid Of Yellow Nails Fast With the acidic corrosive and malice corrosive nearness, apple juice vinegar could help diminish nails' staining. Hydrogen peroxide has been proven to help whiten teeth effectively when combined with baking soda, and its a common ingredient in whitening toothpaste. Although, those stains are more than a mere cosmetic concern: "This can also cause the nail plates to become brittle," says Maiman. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! Lambert, E. M., Dziura, J., Kauls, L., Mercurio, M., & Antaya, R. J. "Very handy article - bad pun not intended (maybe). This article was medically reviewed by Jennifer Boidy, RN. "The most common culprit is a dermatophyte known as Trichophyton rubrum," says Kosinski. Let's talk about yellow nails. A study has shown that tea tree oil can effectively stop common strains of nail fungus from growing. For example, with a rare disease called yellow nail syndrome, other symptoms include respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, and lower limb swelling. If you're suffering from toenail fungus or yellowing of the nails, that great new pair of square-toed boots (or a too-small pair of running shoes) you splashed out for could be the culprit. Hydrogen peroxide goes deep into the nail and lightens the coloring, similar to the way that bleach strips the color out of hair. Whitening, "Some great suggestions here. Treatment is geared toward the underlying cause. Some causes are harmless, like staining from dark-colored nail polish. 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! Ahrari, F., Hasanzadeh N., Rajabi O., & Forouzannejad, Z. 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. American Academy of Dermatology Association. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Since vitamin E stimulates healthy nail growth, it can be applied topically or taken orally to help your nails grow in quickly. The color on the nails can range from light yellow to dark brown. ", https://www.positivehealthwellness.com/beauty-aging/complete-guide-exfoliate-skin/, http://www.quitpros.com/nicotine-stains-on-fingers.html, http://vkool.com/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-nails/, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/quit-smoking/in-depth/quit-smoking-products/art-20045599, http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-28/issue-1/feature/smoking-the-hookah.html, eliminar las manchas de nicotina de los dedos, Eliminare le Macchie di Nicotina dalle Dita, liminer les taches de nicotine sur les doigts, Afkomen van nicotinevlekken op je vingers, Nikotin Lekesi Parmaklardan Nasl karlr. (2015, July 21). Tea Oil Apply lemon to your nails Lemon is a natural bleaching agent, which can therefore help whiten the nails. "Listerine". Household products like a paste of baking soda and water or toothpaste with whitening agents can help eliminate yellowing of the fingernails. Yes, smoking can cause yellow nails. 2014;23(151):180-182. After you've rinsed them off, apply a moisturizer to your hands and nails to prevent them from drying out. Read on to find out more about what causes yellow nails and how to get rid of this condition. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These conditions included: Certain medications may also cause nails to turn yellow. Health benefits of quitting smoking over time. In . Common Nail Problems During Cancer Treatment. Przeglad lekarski,64(6), 406409. 2013;3(11):e003304. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg\/aid1114329-v4-728px-Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"