Nails that have become yellow as a result of dyes or harsh products will grow out a healthy, clear hue. If fresh nail growth remains yellow, something else may be wrong, and you should see a doctor.

Your nails can reveal a lot about your overall health. When your nails get discolored, it usually indicates that you have an infection or nail fungus. It could also indicate that your nails have been stained by a product such as nail polish, or that you are experiencing an allergic response.

Sometimes yellow nails are a sign of something more serious, such as persistent lung disease, internal cancers, lymphatic blockages, or even rheumatoid arthritis.

Continue reading to learn more about what causes yellow nails and how to get rid of them.

1. Yellow nails could be caused by a variety of factors.

If you have damaged your nails with colors or harsh products, fresh nail growth should be a healthy, clear hue. If your nails continue to become yellow, there could be something wrong with your health.

Yellow nails might sometimes be an indicator of something more serious. Vitamin and mineral shortages can produce yellow nails, and adding a multivitamin supplement to your diet may help.

In some circumstances, yellow nails that persist despite treatment can be a sign of thyroid disease, psoriasis, or diabetes. Yellow nails may suggest the existence of skin cancer in rare cases. Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is characterized by persistently yellow nails and respiratory or lymphatic issues.

2. How to Remove Yellow Nails

The treatment for yellow nails will be determined by the cause. Your nails are most likely stained as a result of an illness or a product you utilized. The reasons of discolouration are the basis for these home cures.

It is crucial to note, however, that home cures are not always effective. If home methods do not work to remove discolouration, consult a doctor. If you don’t have a doctor, our Healthline FindCare service can help you find one in your region.

3. Tea tree essential oil

Tea tree oil is a simple therapy for discolored nails caused by a bacterial infection or fungus. Swab a drop or two of tea tree oil with a carrier oil like olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil on the afflicted nail. According to a studyTrusted Source, tea tree oil can successfully prevent the growth of common strains of nail fungus.

4. Baking powder

Fungus can only grow in environments with an acidic pH level. Soaking your feet or toes in hot water combined with baking soda may help to keep the fungus at bay. Baking soda creates an alkaline environment, which may leave your nails significantly clearer after a few soaks.

5. Oil of oregano

Antimicrobial effects of oregano oil have been discovered Trusted Source. It is powerful against bacteria and fungi, making it an excellent remedy if you are unsure of what is causing your nails to yellow. Oregano oil, like tea tree oil, should be combined with a carrier oil before being administered topically to the afflicted nail or nails.

6. Peroxide of hydrogen

When coupled with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide has been shown to efficiently whiten teeth, and it is a frequent ingredient in whitening toothpaste. Because hydrogen peroxide has “oxidizing” properties, it can be used to remove stains. This means it’s an excellent treatment for product-stained nails.

The pigment from dark nail paint can seep into the nail enamel, permanently staining it. Hydrogen peroxide penetrates the nail and lightens the colour, similar to how bleach removes color from hair.

Soaking the nails in warm water with hydrogen peroxide may help to remove stains, and adding baking soda may make it much more effective.

7. E vitamin

Vitamin E has been shown to help cells maintain moisture and seem younger. When you consume enough vitamin E, your skin, hair, and nails all appear more vibrant. Vitamin E has also been tested therapeutically as a successful treatment for yellow nail condition.

Yellow nail syndrome is exactly what it sounds like: a disorder that causes discolored, ridged, and thick nails. Because vitamin E promotes healthy nail growth, it can be applied topically or consumed orally to aid in the growth of your nails.

8. Prescription medications

If you have yellow nails caused by a yeast or bacteria, try any of the remedies listed above to help clear them up. When fungus causes yellowing, oral medicines such as terbinafine are administered.

Both of these medicines have been labeled by the FDA as possibly hazardous to the liver if used for an extended period of time. They do cause common side effects like diarrhea and abdominal pain. As an alternate prescription treatment, you could ask for ciclopirox (Penlac Nail Lacquer). Ciclopirox is applied to the nail in the same way that nail polish is.

All of these medications take weeks to months to work. Healthy nail growth will progressively replace your nails’ yellowed appearance. Keep in mind that no oral or topical antifungal is completely successful, and that recurrence of nail fungus is common.

9. Yellow Nail Prevention

You can avoid nail discolouration by practicing good nail hygiene. Customers should be cautious of nail salons and spas that may transmit fungal diseases and illness.

On each client, a professional manicurist will utilize a clean or new manicure kit. Use nail paint remover on your nails no more than once a week, and choose a less harsh remover that does not contain acetone.

Trim your nails periodically, and use a nail brush to remove dirt from below your nails once or twice a week. To avoid toenail infections such as athlete’s foot, always wear fresh socks and expose your feet to fresh air on a regular basis.

10. HEALTHLINE INFORMATION

Are you unsure which skin care components stand up to the hype? You’re not by yourself. Determine which items are worth utilizing and which should be avoided.

Your situation should improve after attempting to treat yellow nails at home. Make an appointment with your doctor if it does not better within 10 to two weeks. Your doctor can perform tests to identify whether your yellow nails are the result of fungus, yeast, bacteria, or something more serious.

If you notice new darkly colored streaks in your nails, see your doctor right away. You might need to see a dermatologist.

Outlook

Yellow nails are rather prevalent. There are numerous home remedies available to cure the disease.

Yellow nails can be a sign of a larger problem. Yellow nails should not be overlooked, and addressing the underlying cause will result in healthier nails and better overall health.