Enjoy! If they're still yellow, try cutting a lemon in half and rubbing it onto your nails for 30 seconds. This article has been viewed 142,540 times. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. Since vitamin E stimulates healthy nail growth, it can be applied topically or taken orally to help your nails grow in quickly. 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. 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. 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. Natural forms of vitamin E: Metabolism, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and the role in disease prevention and therapy. 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. Yes, smoking often leads to tobacco-stained fingers and nails. Learn more here. Potato helped me removed nicotine stains from my fingers. 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. Be sure to use small circles and take your time to avoid damaging your nails. Read our, How Long Does It Take Nail Polish to Dry? 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 . The smoke by volume is much greater with a hookah than a typical cigarette. You can also rub the cut side of a lemon on your nails, then let it sit for 10 minutes to lighten them. When yellowing is caused by fungus, oral prescriptions such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox) can be effective. Yellow nails are a bona fide beauty concern. Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Moisten a cotton ball with nail polish remover and rub it over the yellow stains until they are no longer visible 2. We avoid using tertiary references. You need to allow the juice to set for bit loner, about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. Tip #1: Using Baking Soda or Toothpaste. It can be done in a doctor's office and does not require any downtime. It is sometimes associated with autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), lymphatic diseases, and cancers. ", it makes my fingers really sore. Macura, A. The good news is that you don't have to give up nail polish altogether. Lucking, treating and preventing yellowed fingernails due to nail polish is quite easy, requiring only a few simple household items and some sensible nail care. Since acetone can be very drying, make sure you finish by applying a nourishing hand cream. You can mix it with olive oil and water to achieve a moisturizing effect as well. Well explain the few ways to do this. 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. (We're talking directly to our fellow polish addicts.) "Trauma is the number-one cause to nail fungus.". The sandpaper from a matchbox will also work. Alternatively, apply a thin layer of whitening toothpaste to your yellow nails to get rid of the stains. A condition called yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is indicated by continually yellow nails and respiratory or lymphatic problems. If you frequently wear nail polish, you may notice that your nails become stained yellow. You can also rub the cut side of a lemon on your nails, then let it sit for 10 minutes to lighten them. (2017, March 1). "Next gently scrub the surface of the nails with a soft toothbrush and rinse with water," Maiman says. In fact, it might be as simple as spacing out your manicure appointmentsbut more on that later. To get rid of yellow nails, start by buffing them to sand off the top layer and expose the clean nail underneath. But it's really bad at the moment so I thought I would Google it to see if there was anything else I can do & this wonderful piece came up! You may want to request ciclopirox (Penlac Nail Lacquer) as an alternative prescription treatment. Smoking. (That's our motto: When in doubt, ask an MD.) 2. Are There Tests to Diagnose Yellow Nails? 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. 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). Only buff each nail for about 10 seconds. Mayo Clinic Staff. Let your nails soak for 10 minutes, then remove and rinse! This is usually noticeable in people who have smoked regularly for a long period of time. With the use of a toothbrush, gently brush the toothpaste and baking soda mixture over your nails. Common Nail Problems During Cancer Treatment. Mix four parts of water to one part peroxide, and soak for ten minutes. Its effective against bacteria and fungi, which makes it a great treatment if youre not sure whats causing your nails to become yellow. For example, with a rare disease called yellow nail syndrome, other symptoms include respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, and lower limb swelling. Yellow nail syndrome. Do the paste method twice a day for a couple of weeks. Here are some easy at-home treatments to get your nail game back on track. Be sure to consult a doctor if your yellowed nails do not improve or lessen after trying these methods. Add one teaspoon of crushed juniper berries to a bowl of warm water. (2015, July 21). If needed, you can repeat this process two to three times a week. 4. 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. Approved. A base coat also serves as an anchor for the colored polish to hold onto. Try wearing some vinyl or leather gloves to protect your fingers even more. Why do smokers nails turn yellow? Along with the causes of dark. Tea tree oil is a disinfectant and naturally fights fungus, which could help combat the yellowing of your nails. The smoke is cooled as it passes through a water system before going through the pipe the user inhales from. "It is important to start treatment early while the area of nail involvement is still small," says Kosinski. If you use this method and it irritates your skin, then rinse the bleach off of your skin right away. Here, we tapped experts to get the scoop on what causes yellow nails and how to remedy them. This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! Pour 3-4 tablespoons (15 ml per tablespoon) of 3% hydrogen peroxide into half a cup (118.5 ml) of water and stir well. If your nails have been damaged by dyes or harsh products, new nail growth should be a healthy, clear color. Ultra-hydrating formula that nourishes your skin barrier, available in unscented and neroli. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Many things can cause yellow nails. Not to mention, this condition can also be hereditary, although it's pretty rare. In rare situations, yellow nails can indicate the presence of skin cancer. I've always known about the toothpaste theory & lemon juice. By using our site, you agree to our. Not only is the discoloration embarrassing, having yellow toenails can signify a more serious problem, like a fungal infection, diabetes, or even psoriasis.More often than not, however, yellow nails are caused by either smoking or wearing dark nail polish without first applying a base coat. This cause of yellow nails can easily be prevented by using a clear base coat before applying nail polishes of darker shades. Will update on progress as I've gotta find one of these remedies. 3. That's why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like vitamin E, are beloved in nail care. If you look at the filter of your cigarette, you'll see very tiny holes will be circling the filter. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. However, home remedies could help, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. Tobacco-stained fingers may be more than a cosmetic issue. "Nails are made of mainly hardened proteins," Lin explains (namely, a protein calledkeratin). If you develop new darkly colored streaks in the nail, you should see your doctor right away. If your nails are yellow from melanonychia, treatment may involve stopping medication or treating the underlying disease or trauma. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In severe cases, the infection can even lead to nail loss. Once you meet with a physician to properly diagnose the underlying cause of yellowing nails, you can then move on to remedying the problem. Soak a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to your nails on hands and feet Rinse it off after 5 minutes with warm water Apply this remedy twice a day to remove yellow nails. "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. Do not rub your finger for more than a few seconds since it can cause irritation. Stir well with a spoon to create a slush-like mixture. 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? Hydrogen peroxide goes deep into the nail and lightens the coloring, similar to the way that bleach strips the color out of hair. White vinegar is one of the most effective products for whitening and cleaning nails. We get it: The last thing you want is for your hands to be associated with fungus. Then, dip your nails into the solution and soak them for about 15 minutes. This article has been viewed 930,159 times. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. "Listerine". No More Yellow Toenails: Your Guide to Healthy Nails and Feet, Cracked Skin Around Nails: At-Home Remedies & Solutions. In some individuals, nail polish or nail polish remover can also chemically damage the nail plate.". "Repetitive micro-trauma to the nail (hitting the toenail against the inside of the shoe) can cause the nail, over time, to become brittle and give the appearance of fungus," he says. Sometimes surgery is required for respiratory problems, like pleural effusions (fluid-filled membranes in the lungs). Lemon Juice Is Not Only A refreshing Drink! We rub them and let them act for five minutes every day. Sometimes yellow nails are a symptom of a bigger issue. If your nails are discolored because of a bacterial infection or fungus, tea tree oil is any easy treatment you can try. Dont attempt this method when you have an open wound or right after using a different stain removal method. However, its easy to file your nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged. Once the nails grow out, they often clear up on their own. It can also mean that your nails have been stained by a product like nail polish, or that youre having an allergic reaction. 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. Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. The fungus can cause your nails to become thick, brittle, and discoloured. Some causes are harmless, like staining from dark-colored nail polish. Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disorder in which the cause is unknown. Sometimes having yellow nails can be an indication of something more serious. If you hold the cigarette while taking a drag, it will discolor your finger. As a result, they become discolored, brittle, and weak. ", toothpaste and the lemon juice when done consecutively did the trick. 2. If your nails continue to be yellow, there may be something else going on in your body. If the cause is cosmetic-related (i.e., nail polish or self-tanner), Maiman recommends taking a break from using the product. "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. "I have had yellow finger stains for years. Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Avoid these remedies if you have open wounds. If you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, consult with a doctor before trying any of these remedies. See here for our favorite vitamins for nails. Especially if you're using traditional polishes that contain formaldehyde, camphor, and toluene, as these harsher ingredients can weaken the nail plate. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 142,540 times. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and cat, Silas. Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology. 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! Use a nail brush to layer the paste on your affected nails. "In fact, vitamin B12 more commonly causes blue . When they become discolored, it usually means that youve picked up an infection or nail fungus. Other things can be to blame, too. 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. Lemon can efficiently help to get rid of yellow nails because it is a natural bleaching agent. Stained and yellowed nails can be extremely unappealing, especially when you want to give your nails breathing time in between polishes. "The more extensive the involvement, the more difficult the infection is to treat." 07 of 08. Dissolve two or three uncoated aspirin tablets in a bowl of hot water and soak your hands for 15 minutes. 2014;23(151):180-182. There are plenty of home remedies that you can try to treat the condition. Kathi Valeii is a freelance writer covering the intersections of health, parenting, and social justice. Remember it can take up to a year to completely remove some causes of yellow nails, so the sooner you get started the better. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Get-Rid-of-Yellow-Nails-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Get-Rid-of-Yellow-Nails-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Get-Rid-of-Yellow-Nails-Step-1.jpg\/aid2206095-v4-728px-Get-Rid-of-Yellow-Nails-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"