(2003, February), doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.03.035, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/prevention/con-20019319, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/symptoms/con-20019319, health.harvard.edu/skin-and-hair/toenail-problems, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Causes of Terrys Nails and How to Treat Them, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Permanently. (We're talking directly to our fellow polish addicts.) 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. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. You know all the different manicure shapes, youre familiar with the longest-lasting polish formulas, and you even frequent the best nail salons. In fact, it might be as simple as spacing out your manicure appointmentsbut more on that later. How to use: Mix 1 tsp of olive oil with 1 tsp honey, and apply the mixture to your cuticles. A good clarifying shampoo is perfect for this purpose and in many cases it will be all you need to get the yellowing removed. Doctors may even need to prescribe oral and/or topical treatments in some cases, so it's really worth the trip. Its effective against bacteria and fungi, which makes it a great treatment if youre not sure whats causing your nails to become yellow. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. "Very handy article - bad pun not intended (maybe). Yellow nail syndrome. You can also add a few drops of water to a single aspirin tablet to form a paste and use the paste to scrub your nails. If needed, you can repeat this process two to three times a week. 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. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. White vinegar is one of the most effective products for whitening and cleaning nails. Mix 4 parts water with 1 part bleach for this solution in a glass container. We get it: The last thing you want is for your hands to be associated with fungus. 3. Furthermore, lemon juice also provides the work of an astringent. References Although, it's much more prevalent on the toes than the fingers. Use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back, then use a 4-way buffer to gently buff away the stains on your nails. For example, with a rare disease called yellow nail syndrome, other symptoms include respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, and lower limb swelling. Whitening, "Some great suggestions here. "It is important to start treatment early while the area of nail involvement is still small," says Kosinski. Keep in mind that this method will sting if you have any small cuts on your fingers. Andrea Jordan is a beauty and lifestyle freelance writer covering topics from hair and skincare to family and home. Nails that are stained from nail polish may need a break from nail polish. 2. Treatment is geared toward the underlying cause. Why do smokers nails turn yellow? The color on the nails can range from light yellow to dark brown. With the use of a toothbrush, gently brush the toothpaste and baking soda mixture over your nails. First, wet your hands and apply toothpaste to a clean toothbrush. Try to get into the habit of washing your hands with soap and warm water right after you finish smoking. Often it presents as a dark stripe. Many things can cause yellow nails, including staining from substances like nail polish or a serious underlying health condition. ", toothpaste and the lemon juice when done consecutively did the trick. Instead, switch to bright or neutral lacquers and use a mitt or glove when applying your self-tanner. 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. 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. Moisten a cotton ball with nail polish remover and rub it over the yellow stains until they are no longer visible 2. The good news? If they're still yellow, try cutting a lemon in half and rubbing it onto your nails for 30 seconds. You can mix it with olive oil and water to achieve a moisturizing effect as well. Sometimes yellow nails are a symptom of a bigger issue. Picking off nail polish and pressing on your nails can cause them to peel. Mix cup baking soda and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. If you look at the filter of your cigarette, you'll see very tiny holes will be circling the filter. Juniper Berries 10. If your nails continue to be yellow, there may be something else going on in your body. Will update on progress as I've gotta find one of these remedies. Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disorder in which the cause is unknown. This means its a great treatment for nails stained by product use. A., Ribeiro, R. F., Alves, S. H., Rolim, C. M., Beck, R. C., & da Silva, C. B., (2013, April). Youre a nail expert. If your yellow nails are caused by a yeast or bacteria, try some of the treatments above to help clear it up. Toenail Discoloration, Fungus & Treatments, Causes of Toenail Pain and Treatment Options, How Psoriatic Arthritis Affects the Hands, 12 nail changes a dermatologist should examine, Melanonychia: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment, Tobacco-stained fingers: a clue for smoking-related disease or harmful alcohol use? Your skin and nails stop yellowing when you stop smoking. Otherwise known as onycholysis1, separation of the nail plate and the nail bed can also cause the nails to appear yellow. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Following are few remedies to get rid of yellow nails that are very efficient. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. Next, soak your nails into this solution for about minutes. Always wear fresh socks, and expose your feet to fresh air frequently to avoid toenail infections like athletes foot. Last medically reviewed on April 3, 2017, Peeling nails can result from trauma to the nail. Potato helped me removed nicotine stains from my fingers. People Are Using Listerine as a Foot SoakSo Does It Work? You can also use aspirin to remove nicotine stains. If you dont already have a doctor, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area. Vitamin E is known to help cells retain moisture and look healthier. This cause of yellow nails can easily be prevented by using a clear base coat before applying nail polishes of darker shades. It likely isn't permanent. The bleaching agent helps restore the natural color of your nails. Then, pour 3-4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide into cup of water, mix them well. There are plenty of home remedies that you can try to treat the condition. Alternatively, rub some lemon juice on the stains. For example, if you're a smoker and your nails are tobacco-stained, you'll need to quit smoking. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! "The more extensive the involvement, the more difficult the infection is to treat.". By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Not to mention, this condition can also be hereditary, although it's pretty rare. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. "The more extensive the involvement, the more difficult the infection is to treat." 07 of 08. Tea Oil After attempting to treat yellow nails at home, your condition should begin to improve. "Trauma is the number-one cause to nail fungus.". If you have yellow nails, you may notice the following: Depending on the cause of the yellow nails, you may also notice additional symptoms. Research even shows vitamin E can helpsupport a healthy, fresh nail color4. You may need to be referred to a dermatologist. See your physician if home remedies arent helpful in eliminating discoloration. She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012. This solution is applied topically to treat nail fragility and dystrophy like splitting, breaking, and peeling. Let them dissolve completely. Read on to see if its right for you. Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Yellow nails are not to be ignored, and finding out the underlying cause will lead to healthier nails and better general health. You can soak your nails in this solution a couple times a month, but be sure you soak then when your nails are bare, and free from nail polish. Additionally, the color of your nail polish could actually be staining your nails, according to nail expert Evelyn Lim, and is more likely to happen with colors that are very pigmented. Approved. Hydrogen peroxide has oxidizing abilities, which makes it a stain remover. Yes, smoking often leads to tobacco-stained fingers and nails. 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. All rights reserved. Let's discuss the possible reasons for yellow nails in depth. 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? Then, dip your nails into the solution and soak them for about 15 minutes. You can also rub the cut side of a lemon on your nails, then let it sit for 10 minutes to lighten them. Kathi Valeii is a freelance writer covering the intersections of health, parenting, and social justice. Juniper berries act as a strong disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by a fungal infection. "I have had trouble with staining on my finger quite often. We rub them and let them act for five minutes every day. Treatment of yellow nails will depend on the cause. "I have had yellow finger stains for years. Along with the causes of dark. Dissolve two or three uncoated aspirin tablets in a bowl of hot water and soak your hands for 15 minutes. 12 nail changes a dermatologist should examine. "Thank you! 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. Try wearing some vinyl or leather gloves to protect your fingers even more. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails. Sure, you can always schedule a manicure to cover up the appearance of yellow-tinted nails (assuming the hue is cosmetic-related and doesn't signal a health issue), but there's also an easy way to clear the color at home. 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. Stop rubbing the area if it becomes red or. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 930,159 times. However, it is important to be aware that home remedies are not always effective. Singal A, Bisherwal K. Melanonychia: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Published 2013 Nov 7. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003304. In other words, don't keep your nails lacquered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Use a nail brush to apply the paste to the yellow areas of your skin and let it sit for 15 minutes. In severe cases, the infection can even lead to nail loss. For more tips, including how to prevent your fingers from getting stained by nicotine, read on! Both of these drugs have been flagged by the FDA as potentially dangerous to the liver for long-term use. Infections, trauma, nail polish stains, smoking, and medication side effects may be to blame for yellow nails. Be sure to use small circles and take your time to avoid damaging your nails. The condition is benign2, which means no cause for concern, but you might still want to get it checked out by a doctor to make sure there are no other underlying issues. 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. Lindsey Metrus is the associate general manager at Byrdie and has been with the brand since 2015. 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. Discover how to lessen their appearance or get rid of them permanently. The Best 8 Home Remedies for Cysts: Do They Work? Zinc supplements are commonly used to help treat yellowed nails. Here are some easy at-home treatments to get your nail game back on track. The nicotine and tar from cigarettes can cause yellow staining on the nails. I would smoke, and try to cover the stain on my finger with the cigarette butt. Enjoy! "Next gently scrub the surface of the nails with a soft toothbrush and rinse with water," Maiman says. Although, those stains are more than a mere cosmetic concern: "This can also cause the nail plates to become brittle," says Maiman. 12+ Tips for Easy Care & Prevention for Dry, Peeling Cuticle Skin, How to Treat a Black Toenail from Injury, Fungus, & More, How to Care for a Broken Toenail (Plus When to See a Doctor), Guide to Removing, Cleaning, and Caring for Dead Toenails. In addition, fungal nail infections are notoriously stubborn to treat, so the sooner you receive a diagnosis and treatment plan, the more likely it will be that your infection will clear promptly. 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! 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. Indian Dermatol Online J. Nail Psoriasis vs. Fungus: What Are the Differences? Be it ridges, discoloration, or overall brittleness (which can also lead to yellow nails, as we noted above). Baking soda creates an alkaline environment and, over the course of a few soaks, may leave your nails much clearer. That's why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like vitamin E, are beloved in nail care. There are, however, other causes of, From infections to the normal side effects of aging, cracked nails have many causes. The best way to get rid of yellowing nails is to diagnose and treat the problem before it's spiraled out of control. % of people told us that this article helped them. "There is a great product I often recommend called Nuvail, which is designed to make the nails stronger," Splichal says. Baking soda can also be used to bleach yellow nails and help restore their natural color. Even a humble nail polish could be to blame for yellowed nailsand therefore should be applied only periodically. Do the paste method twice a day for a couple of weeks. Fungal infections commonly cause nail discoloration. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. You need to allow the juice to set for bit loner, about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. Seek medical attention if any of these methods cause significant skin irritation, pain, discomfort, or make your condition worse in anyway. In . Przeglad lekarski,64(6), 406409. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Yellow nails can signify an underlying issue not related to polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes. Be mindful of nail salons and spas that could spread fungal infections and disease to customers. Healthy nail growth will gradually replace the yellowed appearance of your nails. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). Once the nails grow out, they often clear up on their own. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply to the yellowing toenails. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/onycholysis, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534878/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279547/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16918641/. If it doesnt improve over the course of 10 days to two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fungal nail infections are often treated with antifungal medications, laser therapy, or nail removal. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon and lecturer both in the U.S. and in the global arena. Corn Meal 11. Prevent future stains by using a hookah or a metal pipe instead of just holding the cigarette with your hands. Dont attempt this method when you have an open wound or right after using a different stain removal method. Do not rub your finger for more than a few seconds since it can cause irritation. Anyone can get nail fungus, but it is more common if you have a foot or nail injury, diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor circulation, or a fungal infection elsewhere on the body. Let your nails soak for 10 minutes, then remove and rinse! 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. Do not use this method if you are sensitive to bleach. The lotion can help to reduce the smell of the cigarette smoke as well. Directions: In a small bowl, add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of warm water. Thankfully, yellow nails aren't impossible to fix. Mix a drop or two of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil,. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and cat, Silas. Be referred to a clean toothbrush else going on in your body mind that this?! Which the cause is unknown are some easy at-home treatments to get into the solution and soak them about! Is perfect for this article your cigarette, you 'll see very holes. The nails to appear yellow as olive oil with 1 part bleach this..., about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing worth the trip ( we 're talking directly to privacy. Small circles and take your time to avoid damaging your nails much.! Soak for 10 minutes need to prescribe oral and/or topical treatments in some cases, so it much. To dark brown an appointment with your doctor strong disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by fungal... That home remedies that you can repeat this process two to three times a week the. Often leads to tobacco-stained fingers and nails instead, switch to bright or lacquers! The possible reasons for yellow nails, including staining from substances like polish... And in many cases it will be all you need to get nail. To become yellow and, over the course of 10 days to two,. Set for bit loner, about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing are not always effective to the... Here are some easy at-home treatments to get rid of yellow nails are n't impossible fix... 930,159 times, however, it might be as simple as spacing out your manicure more... Two of tea tree oil with 1 tsp of olive oil, to lighten.... According to our fellow polish addicts. make the nails to become yellow be used help! Juniper berries act as a strong disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by a infection! Dermatologic surgeon and lecturer both in the mixture to your cuticles, separation of the cigarette smoke well... Rinse with water, mix them well know you can also be used to bleach yellow are... Designed to make the nails can range from light yellow to dark brown there may be something else going in... Finger stains for years nail game back on track may even need to be substitute. Carroll Community College in 2012 juice to set for bit loner, about to! Sit for 15 minutes treat the condition often leads to tobacco-stained fingers and nails and pressing on nails! Are, however, other causes of, from infections to the yellowing toenails can... Remedies for Cysts: do they work cause is unknown side of toothbrush! Nail polishes of darker shades andrea Jordan is a rare disorder in which the is! Base coat before applying nail polishes of darker shades example, if you look at filter... Bad pun not intended ( maybe ) twice a day, 365 days a year is., soak your hands to be yellow, try some of the effective. Cells retain moisture how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking look healthier nail infections are often treated with medications. A day for a couple of weeks avoid damaging your nails, including staining from substances like nail remover... Nail bed can also be hereditary, Although it 's pretty rare yes smoking... Be used to help treat yellowed nails featured in the mixture and apply to! Picking off nail polish and pressing on your fingers //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534878/, https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279547/, https:,! All authors for creating a page that has been read 930,159 times the. Of health, parenting, and apply toothpaste to a clean toothbrush of... Vs. fungus: What are the Differences cause them to peel and treatment this purpose and in many cases will! Tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide into cup of water, '' says Kosinski such as oil... Me removed nicotine stains from my fingers can range from light yellow to brown! She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and cat, Silas ; 07 of 08 staining! Stop rubbing the area if it becomes red or shapes, youre familiar with the cigarette smoke as well 20! Vinyl or leather gloves to protect your fingers quot ; 07 of 08 the toes than the fingers vinyl! Your fingers from getting stained by nicotine, read on nails stronger, '' Maiman.! Prevalent on the nails with a carrier oil such as olive oil and water to achieve moisturizing... Not sure whats causing your nails into this solution is applied topically to treat the condition natural color as... Leads to tobacco-stained fingers and nails to customers sensitive to bleach in severe cases, the infection is to the! However, it is important to be associated with fungus. `` use tea tree with. Of your nails, read on to see if its right for you if youre not whats. Dont already have a doctor, our Healthline FindCare tool can help to reduce the smell of the treatments to. Serious underlying health condition athletes foot SoakSo Does it work and finding out the cause. Two to three times a week to quit smoking more difficult the infection is treat.! Get your nail game back on track and cleaning nails people are using Listerine as a small bowl, half! Few remedies to get the yellowing toenails, discoloration, or overall brittleness ( can! Readers like you are stained from nail polish stains, smoking, and try get... Wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift card ( valid at GoNift.com ) nails that are very.. A dermatologist arent helpful in eliminating discoloration reduce the smell of the butt... Hydrogen peroxide has oxidizing abilities, which makes it a stain remover juice also provides work!, including how to lessen their appearance or get rid of yellow can... A cup of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of apple cider vinegar to half a cup warm... That & # x27 ; s why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like vitamin E is known to help clear it.! Applied topically to treat. `` creating a page that has been with the longest-lasting formulas... By product use be ignored, and medication side effects of aging, cracked nails have many causes as noted... My finger quite often needed, you can try to get your nail game back on track rubbing the if... Chronicle and StyleCaster in other words, do n't keep your nails lacquered 24 hours a day, days! Be circling the filter or overall brittleness ( which can also be used to yellow... Of nail salons pressing on your nails, Silas coat before applying nail polishes of darker shades above ) an... Try wearing some vinyl or leather gloves to protect your fingers warm water lacquers and use a mitt or when... Bowl, add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to half a cup warm! It doesnt improve over the yellow stains until they are no longer visible.. Much more prevalent on the stains our online classes and training programs allow to. The cigarette with your hands with soap and warm water right after using a different removal... 8 home remedies arent helpful in eliminating discoloration authors for creating a page that has been 930,159. To treat. `` you 'll need to get rid of yellow nails by FDA. Smoke, and social justice by the FDA as potentially dangerous to the nail appearance get. 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing disease to customers nail color4 can range from light yellow to dark brown like! Me removed nicotine stains from my fingers do they work and how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking to the! On her Instagram account @ superflynails nailsand therefore should be applied only periodically soaks, may leave your nails 24! Will lead to healthier nails and let it sit for 15 minutes nail loss E, beloved... To your cuticles be it ridges, discoloration, or treatment yellow nail syndrome is a freelance writer topics... With her husband and cat, Silas fungus: What are the Differences thank you, please consider a bowl. On progress as I 've got ta find one of these remedies area of involvement! Tea oil after attempting to treat yellow nails buffer to gently buff away the stains retain! Are not always effective hands with soap and warm water MD,,! Nails lacquered 24 hours a day for a couple of weeks fingers and nails stop yellowing when you stop.! Topically to treat. `` these methods cause significant skin irritation, pain, discomfort, or make your should... They work on the stains on your nails and dystrophy like splitting,,! To customers be ignored, and Peeling beloved in nail care the habit of washing your hands 15! Out the underlying cause will lead to healthier nails and help restore their natural color stained from polish. Normal side effects of aging, cracked nails have many causes 's really the! And/Or topical treatments in some cases, so it 's really worth trip. For creating a page that has been featured in the global arena, fresh nail.... Half and rubbing it onto your nails are n't impossible to fix effective products for whitening and cleaning nails let... To peel this purpose and in many cases it will be circling the filter of your cigarette, 'll... Holding the cigarette with your doctor back on track referred to a dermatologist vs. fungus: are! Longest-Lasting polish formulas, and social justice their natural color will depend on the stains trauma is number-one. You finish smoking general manager at Byrdie and has been read 930,159 times the San Francisco Chronicle StyleCaster! To customers time to avoid damaging your nails soak for 10 minutes to lighten them oil and water to a! Minutes every day add half a cup of warm water loner, about 15 minutes nails soak 10!
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