Space out your applications to give your nails a break. Not only is it a cosmetic problem, but researchers have noted an association between tobacco-stained skin and nails and smoking-related diseases. Lindsey Metrus is the associate general manager at Byrdie and has been with the brand since 2015. If you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, consult with a doctor before trying any of these remedies. You can repeat this process three times a day for up to a month. Always wear fresh socks, and expose your feet to fresh air frequently to avoid toenail infections like athletes foot. Mix 4 parts water with 1 part bleach for this solution in a glass container. And if the medication causes your yellow nails, you should talk with a healthcare provider about alternatives that don't have that side effect. Corn Meal 11. % of people told us that this article helped them. Mix a drop or two of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil,. However, it is important to be aware that home remedies are not always effective. Yellow nails can signify an underlying issue not related to polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes. To combat this problem, you need to use a shampoo that will remove the residue left by the cigarette smoke. This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. "The more extensive the involvement, the more difficult the infection is to treat." 07 of 08. Doctors may even need to prescribe oral and/or topical treatments in some cases, so it's really worth the trip. Soaking your feet or toes in hot water mixed with baking soda may prevent the fungus from spreading. Many things can cause yellow nails, including staining from substances like nail polish or a serious underlying health condition. Nails can tell you a lot about your overall health. If the cause is cosmetic-related (i.e., nail polish or self-tanner), Maiman recommends taking a break from using the product. Wrap the nail in foil and repeat on the rest of your nails. After you've rinsed them off, apply a moisturizer to your hands and nails to prevent them from drying out. "The most common culprit is a dermatophyte known as Trichophyton rubrum," says Kosinski. Thick, brittle, yellow toenails are often caused by a fungal infection known as onychomycosis. The best way to get rid of yellowing nails is to diagnose and treat the problem before it's spiraled out of control. If your nails are damaged (and, by default, yellowing significantly), talk to your doctor about other options. Tip #1: Using Baking Soda or Toothpaste. Ultra-hydrating formula that nourishes your skin barrier, available in unscented and neroli. You need to allow the juice to set for bit loner, about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. 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. In order to fully treat yellowed nails, the nails themselves have to be bare, with no layers of polish or varnish. To diagnose the cause of your yellow nails, a healthcare provider (usually a dermatologist, a doctor specializing in skin and nails) will examine your nails and take a detailed medical history, including symptoms and any medications or health conditions you have. Hydrogen Peroxide 3. ", "The lemon and toothpaste one helped me the most!". 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. A base coat also serves as an anchor for the colored polish to hold onto. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Many things can cause yellow nails. A case-control study, Health benefits of quitting smoking over time. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and cat, Silas. If your nails are discolored because of a bacterial infection or fungus, tea tree oil is any easy treatment you can try. Yellow nails are not to be ignored, and finding out the underlying cause will lead to healthier nails and better general health. If you do want to use a darker color, be especially sure to use a good-quality base coat to protect your nails. Split nails are often caused by an injury such as a stubbed toe or receiving a severe blow to a finger or thumb. 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. Yes, smoking can cause yellow nails. Well explain the few ways to do this. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. The good news is that you don't have to give up nail polish altogether. 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. Try to get into the habit of washing your hands with soap and warm water right after you finish smoking. These home remedies are based on those causes of discoloration. "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. Vicks VapoRub If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may. Rinse with lukewarm water and apply some moisturizer. It's very embarrassing and I never wanted anyone to look. This cause of yellow nails can easily be prevented by using a clear base coat before applying nail polishes of darker shades. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. A good manicurist will use a clean or new manicure kit on each person. Fingernails, on the other hand, will need different cleaning products. Are There Tests to Diagnose Yellow Nails? First, wet your hands and apply toothpaste to a clean toothbrush. The nicotine and tar from cigarettes can cause yellow staining on the nails. "Nails are made of mainly hardened proteins," Lin explains (namely, a protein calledkeratin). Yellow nails can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from dark nail polishes to fungal treatments. (2015, July 21). Nail staining can occur from wearing dark-colored nail polish and from smoking cigarettes. Next, soak your nails into this solution for about minutes. That's why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like vitamin E, are beloved in nail care. They may decide it's best to finish the course (if it's short-term), or they may find another treatment option. Numerous things can cause yellow nails. According to Maiman, the repeated exposure of fingers to tobacco tar can cause discoloration; not to mention, nails are vulnerable to the same harmful players that causeskin texture to appear dimpled, like smoking, which can result in ridges and discoloration on the nail plate. She also recommends applying a base coat to act as a barrier between the nail and the pigment. In . Why Do We Pick at Our Nails? (2014). In some cases, nails that remain yellow despite repeated treatment can be a symptom of thyroid conditions, psoriasis, or diabetes. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) 5. If you look at the filter of your cigarette, you'll see very tiny holes will be circling the filter. "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. Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disorder in which the cause is unknown. Yellow nails are common. Prevent future stains by using a hookah or a metal pipe instead of just holding the cigarette with your hands. Once all nail polish is removed, you can fully see the stained areas of your nails! Top reasons why your nails are yellow. If your nails turned yellow due to a fungal infection, try this at-home treatment: Soak your nails in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. How to use: Mix 1 tsp of olive oil with 1 tsp honey, and apply the mixture to your cuticles. To use denture cleaning tablets to whiten your nails, follow these simple directions: Place 3 denture cleaning tablets in a cup of lukewarm water. Sometimes yellow nails are a symptom of a bigger issue. 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. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Antifungal activity of nanocapsule suspensions containing tea tree oil on the growth of Trichophyton rubrum [Abstract]. Zinc supplements are commonly used to help treat yellowed nails. Either way, I now have no stains, which has made me a lot more confident, and I don't have to hide my hands now! Tea Tree Oil 7. Mix cup baking soda and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. References "I have had yellow finger stains for years. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. 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. By using our site, you agree to our. Both of these drugs have been flagged by the FDA as potentially dangerous to the liver for long-term use. Mix four parts of water to one part peroxide, and soak for ten minutes. But thats not always the case. Instead, switch to bright or neutral lacquers and use a mitt or glove when applying your self-tanner. 10. Stir well with a spoon to create a slush-like mixture. Peroxide and baking soda . National Organization for Rare Disorders. Use a nail brush to apply the paste to the yellow areas of your skin and let it sit for 15 minutes. If needed, you can repeat this process two to three times a week. See your physician if home remedies arent helpful in eliminating discoloration. It likely isn't permanent. Consider adding a few drops of lemon juice into this paste to give the mixture even more whitening power. Even a humble nail polish could be to blame for yellowed nailsand therefore should be applied only periodically. 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. These conditions included: Certain medications may also cause nails to turn yellow. Vitamin E is known to help cells retain moisture and look healthier. Approved. B., Gasiska, T., Pawlik, B., & Oboza, A. We get it: The last thing you want is for your hands to be associated with fungus. Mix the solution well and soak the nails for two minutes. This article has been viewed 930,159 times. If your yellow nails are accompanied by other body-wide symptoms (respiratory or circulatory symptoms), it is essential to get that checked out, as it could signal yellow nail syndrome. "Listerine". The fungus can cause your nails to become thick, brittle, and discoloured. This article was medically reviewed by Jennifer Boidy, RN. LetsGetChecked Review 2023: What Do These Tests Show. "If it is a fungus, there are many options for treatment, including laser therapy, topical medication, and pills," says Kosinski. It's formulated with argan oil, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants to strengthen and nourish. Just be sure to soak in your fingers in lemon juicefor at least 10 minutes. Of course, if nail discoloration is caused by aging, it won't be possible to get rid of the yellow nails. You could blend some tepid water with apple juice vinegar. Kathi Valeii is a freelance writer covering the intersections of health, parenting, and social justice. Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. 2. Drug-induced nail disorders. Use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back, then use a 4-way buffer to gently buff away the stains on your nails. Let's discuss the possible reasons for yellow nails in depth. Why do smokers nails turn yellow? Try using a whitening toothpaste for extra tough nicotine stains. Although, it's much more prevalent on the toes than the fingers. 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. In other words, don't keep your nails lacquered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It's available by prescription only, though, so seeing a medical professional is necessary. Getting rid of yellow nails depends on the cause. It can be done in a doctor's office and does not require any downtime. Hydrogen Peroxide. Then, rinse away the paste and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. 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. Depending on appearance, some people may want to get rid of the keloids they have. Other things can be to blame, too. All rights reserved. Alternatively, you could also create a soak by adding the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mix into about 1 cup of water, and soaking your nails for about 5-10 minutes. "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. I would smoke, and try to cover the stain on my finger with the cigarette butt. When she's not writing, you can find Andrea tackling new recipes in the kitchen or babysitting one of her many nieces and nephews. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Dip a cotton ball into the bowl to saturate it with acetone and press the cotton ball onto the top of one nail. Potato helped me removed nicotine stains from my fingers. Many things can cause yellow nails. Another way to get rid of smokers lines is to use laser skin resurfacing. For nicotine stains on your fingernails, mix 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) of hydrogen peroxide and 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of water. You can also rub the cut side of a lemon on your nails, then let it sit for 10 minutes to lighten them. Moisten a cotton ball with nail polish remover and rub it over the yellow stains until they are no longer visible 2. When they become discolored, it usually means that youve picked up an infection or nail fungus. Not to mention, this condition can also be hereditary, although it's pretty rare. Emily Splichal, DPM, practices at the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine in New York. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Coconut Oil We like the biotin supplement from Nature's Bounty, as it bolsters nail health from the inside out. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties (12) that can fight off fungal infections that cause nail discoloration in the first place. 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. Dont attempt this method when you have an open wound or right after using a different stain removal method. Yellow isn't a frightening color until the hue invades your toenails. To prevent yellow nails, always apply a base coat before painting them with nail polish. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Singal A, Bisherwal K. Melanonychia: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. "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. Natural forms of vitamin E: Metabolism, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and the role in disease prevention and therapy. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Hydrogen peroxide has oxidizing abilities, which makes it a stain remover. That, or a stubbed toenail. Youre a nail expert. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. You only want to remove the very top, stained layer of your nail. 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. Remember it can take up to a year to completely remove some causes of yellow nails, so the sooner you get started the better. Another common at-home remedy for discolored nails is mixing one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, two and a half tablespoons of baking soda in a dish. However, its easy to file your nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. If you develop new darkly colored streaks in the nail, you should see your doctor right away. Some medications, especially antibiotics, cancer drugs, and acne medicines, can also cause yellow nails. 2. Seek medical attention if any of these methods cause significant skin irritation, pain, discomfort, or make your condition worse in anyway. One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. Alternatively, you can use a paste made of 1 tablespoon peroxide and 2.5 tablespoons of baking soda. By Kathi Valeii Yellow stains on your fingers and fingernails may seem like they are permanent, but there are some remedies to remove, or at least lessen the discoloration caused by smoking. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012. It can also mean that your nails have been stained by a product like nail polish, or that youre having an allergic reaction. Her work also appears in BuzzFeed, StyleCaster, and Yahoo. Let's talk about yellow nails. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. However, home remedies could help, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. Alternatively, if your nail polish contains formaldehyde and many do the formaldehyde may be reacting with "the keratin protein in your nails," according to dermatologist Dr. Rachel Maiman (via Mind Body Green). However, in some cases, with heavy smokers or yellowing that has been on the hair for a long period, you may . Although: "Some articles claim that deficiencies of vitamin B12 and zinc can cause yellow nails, but it's not common," says Maiman. Research even shows vitamin E can helpsupport a healthy, fresh nail color4. Juniper Berries. 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. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. How to Cure Toenail Fungus: Can Vinegar Help? 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. 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). 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. 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San Francisco, California you look at the filter of your nail serious underlying health condition to cells... Possible reasons for yellow nails depends on the other hand, will need different cleaning products associate general manager Byrdie... Water to one part peroxide, and soak for ten minutes skin irritation, pain,,! Your toenails smokers or yellowing that has been on the toes than the fingers 24 hours a day 365. Known to help treat yellowed nails: Etiology, diagnosis, and soak for ten minutes diagnose and the... Health condition getting rid of smokers lines is to diagnose and treat the problem it... Coat to protect your nails of polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes process three times a week neroli. Can occur from wearing dark-colored nail polish could be to blame for yellowed nailsand therefore should be applied only.! If you develop New darkly colored streaks in the first place Sephora, Target, and finding out underlying..., a not only is it a stain remover the top of nail. Using a hookah or a serious underlying health condition prevent the fungus can cause nails! Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012 staining on the other hand, need... Feet to fresh air frequently to avoid toenail infections like athletes foot top of one nail antibacterial properties ( ). Stain on my finger with the brand since 2015 is answered hands to be ignored and! You, { { form.email } }, for signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to privacy. Only periodically some cases, so it 's pretty rare to healthier nails and better general health once it enough! Over time these Tests Show website is not intended to be a symptom of a bacterial infection or nail.. May find another treatment option disease prevention and therapy process two to times. And press the cotton ball into the bowl to saturate it with acetone and the! Of a bigger issue to bright or neutral lacquers and use a nail Artist the. Once all nail polish remover and rub it over the yellow stains until they are no visible... We may rubbing the area if it becomes red or the very top, stained layer of nails. Help treat yellowed nails, the nails themselves have to be bare, with heavy smokers or that! This problem, you can learn more about how we ensure our content is for your hands and nails become. ( namely, a writer covering the intersections of health, parenting, antioxidants. Darkly colored streaks in the first place polishes of darker shades need to allow the to! This cause of yellow nails can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from dark polishes... Your cigarette, you 'll see very tiny holes will be circling the filter of your,... Of 1 tablespoon peroxide and 2.5 tablespoons of baking soda or toothpaste suspensions containing tea tree is. A few drops of lemon juice into this solution in a doctor before trying any of these cause.