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. If your nails are yellow from melanonychia, treatment may involve stopping medication or treating the underlying disease or trauma. In some individuals, nail polish or nail polish remover can also chemically damage the nail plate.". Mix a drop or two of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil,. 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. She currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and cat, Silas. Since vitamin E stimulates healthy nail growth, it can be applied topically or taken orally to help your nails grow in quickly. One study noted an 84% frequency of tobacco-related diseases among people with tobacco-stained fingers. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Oregano oil has been found to have antimicrobial properties. Andrea Jordan is a beauty and lifestyle freelance writer covering topics from hair and skincare to family and home. This article explains the symptoms, causes, and treatment of yellow nails. By using our site, you agree to our. Other things can be to blame, too. If you develop new darkly colored streaks in the nail, you should see your doctor right away. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. References Baking soda creates an alkaline environment and, over the course of a few soaks, may leave your nails much clearer. Use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back, then use a 4-way buffer to gently buff away the stains on your nails. Andrea Jordan is a beauty and lifestyle freelance writer covering topics from hair and skincare to family and home. Along with the causes of dark. 2013;3(11):e003304. Health benefits of quitting smoking over time. 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) Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. 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. 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. But what happens when you remove your polish to find that your once strong, bright, and shiny nails are turning a less-than-satisfactory shade of yellow? The simple way to stop it to simply hold the cigarette with your lips instead of your fingers. Seek medical attention if any of these methods cause significant skin irritation, pain, discomfort, or make your condition worse in anyway. Nail fungus: symptoms, Toenail problems: nails. If your nails are discolored because of a bacterial infection or fungus, tea tree oil is any easy treatment you can try. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! There's nothing wrong with a faux-glow, but just like these at-home tanners can cause palms to look yellowish-orange, the same goes for your fingernails. Here are some easy at-home treatments to get your nail game back on track. In this case, 89% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. If needed, you can repeat this process two to three times a week. 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. "This is a physical sign that your nails may need a breather from polish.". All of these prescriptions take weeks to months to be effective. National Organization for Rare Disorders. Household products like a paste of baking soda and water or toothpaste with whitening agents can help eliminate yellowing of the fingernails. If yellow nail syndrome is the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, vitamin E supplements, and corticosteroids. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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). Try to get into the habit of washing your hands with soap and warm water right after you finish smoking. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. Mix baking soda and warm water to form a paste (or just use toothpaste) and scrub your toenails gently with a toothbrush for about 5 minutes to help lighten or completely remove the stain. Remedies. It is a 100% Australian Tea Tree Oil that has multiple benefits. Discover how to lessen their appearance or get rid of them permanently. If you have yellow nails, you may notice the following: Depending on the cause of the yellow nails, you may also notice additional symptoms. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. And if the medication causes your yellow nails, you should talk with a healthcare provider about alternatives that don't have that side effect. Try wearing some vinyl or leather gloves to protect your fingers even more. You may want to request ciclopirox (Penlac Nail Lacquer) as an alternative prescription treatment. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties (12) that can fight off fungal infections that cause nail discoloration in the first place. 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. If you frequently wear nail polish, you may notice that your nails become stained yellow. 3. Try apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, mouth wash, or orange peels. A typical cause of yellow nails is using a dark shade of nail polish. You need to allow the juice to set for bit loner, about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. Prevent future stains by using a hookah or a metal pipe instead of just holding the cigarette with your hands. Keep in mind that this method will sting if you have any small cuts on your fingertips. Especially if you're using traditional polishes that contain formaldehyde, camphor, and toluene, as these harsher ingredients can weaken the nail plate. Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://stylecaster.com/beauty-high/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-nails/, http://www.marieclaire.com/beauty/makeup/how-to/a41/nails-whiten-yellow/, http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcqvv/yellow-nail-stains, http://www.newhealthguide.org/Yellow-Toenails.html. Tea Oil If you're not sure whether or not fungus is the issue, or maybe you took a nail polish break and the yellow color isn't disappearing, go see a doctor. What Causes Nails To Yellow? Having whitening properties, hydrogen peroxide can eliminate yellow stained fingernails. You can use Bael Wellness Tea Tree Oil to prevent yellowing of your nails. It is sometimes associated with autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), lymphatic diseases, and cancers. If you purchase something mentioned in this article, we may. Common Nail Problems During Cancer Treatment. Rotate your nail to the left and right to make sure youre also buffing the sides of your nail, not just the top, middle section. The fungus can cause your nails to become thick, brittle, and discoloured. Hydrogen Peroxide 3. Just try this amazing DIY solution using lemons to get rid of yellow toenails or fingernail. Hydrogen Peroxide. Once the nails grow out, they often clear up on their own. But others may be a symptom of a fungal infection or an underlying health condition. Scrub your nails using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda for 2-3 minutes to quickly lighten them. Experts ExplainAnd Tell Us How to Stop, Why Does My Body Itch? She also recommends applying a base coat to act as a barrier between the nail and the pigment. So we asked Splichal and Mark Kosinski, DPM, FIDSA, a professor with the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, to explain the various causes of and treatments for color-changing nails as well as how we can prevent them. "The more extensive the involvement, the more difficult the infection is to treat.". MarkA.Kosinski,DPM,is apodiatristprimarily located in New York who also works as a professor with New York College of Podiatric Medicine's Department of Medicine. This is important because if your yellow nails are due to fungus, you might need special treatment to completely get rid of it. Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice . Dip a cotton ball into the bowl to saturate it with acetone and press the cotton ball onto the top of one nail. Research even shows vitamin E can help support a healthy, fresh nail color 4. Published 2013 Nov 7. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003304. Approved. Of course, if nail discoloration is caused by aging, it won't be possible to get rid of the yellow nails. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply to the yellowing toenails. This information can often direct the next steps, if any. Similar to using tea tree oil for treatment, oregano oil should be mixed with a carrier oil before being applied topically to the affected nail or nails. (2017, March 1). No More Yellow Toenails: Your Guide to Healthy Nails and Feet, Cracked Skin Around Nails: At-Home Remedies & Solutions. 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. 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. If you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, consult with a doctor before trying any of these remedies. Following are few remedies to get rid of yellow nails that are very efficient. For more tips, including how to prevent your fingers from getting stained by nicotine, read on! In severe cases, the infection can even lead to nail loss. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. If this is a condition you may be dealing with, it's best to visit a doctor to avoid infection. Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of 19 essential oils [Abstract]. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. They do present some common side effects, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Fungal nail infections. Mix 4 parts water with 1 part bleach for this solution in a glass container. The bleaching agent helps restore the natural color of your nails. Treatment for yellow nails depends on the cause. Tea Tree Oil 7. A more serious issue (perhaps an infection or other illness) could be the cause of your yellow nails. 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. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. Develop the tech skills you need for work and life. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 The best way to get rid of yellowing nails is to diagnose and treat the problem before it's spiraled out of control. There are, however, other causes of, From infections to the normal side effects of aging, cracked nails have many causes. Scrub your toenails with baking soda or toothpaste. "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. Hydrogen peroxide goes deep into the nail and lightens the coloring, similar to the way that bleach strips the color out of hair. 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. Many things can cause yellow nails. References This means its a great treatment for nails stained by product use. Then, dip your nails into the solution and soak them for about 15 minutes. Stained and yellowed nails can be extremely unappealing, especially when you want to give your nails breathing time in between polishes. Fungus can only grow in an environment where the pH level is acidic. If the cause is cosmetic-related (i.e., nail polish or self-tanner), Maiman recommends taking a break from using the product. Not to mention, this condition can also be hereditary, although it's pretty rare. Singal A, Bisherwal K. Melanonychia: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Potato helped me removed nicotine stains from my fingers. However, more serious situations, like nail infections, yellow nail disease, lung syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis, can also cause yellow nails. If you look at the filter of your cigarette, you'll see very tiny holes will be circling the filter. Your skin, hair, and nails all take on an appearance of vitality when you have plenty of vitamin E. Vitamin E has also been clinically studied as a successful treatment for yellow nail syndrome. For more tips, including how to prevent your fingers from getting stained by nicotine, read on! Friendly reminder: You never want to apply the antibacterial on your skin without diluting it first. Do not use this method if you are sensitive to bleach. ", best for me. If you use this method and it irritates your skin, then rinse the bleach off of your skin right away. Using lighter or sheer nail polish colors can give your nails a break from the harsh dyes found in darker polishes. Pour 3-4 tablespoons (15 ml per tablespoon) of 3% hydrogen peroxide into half a cup (118.5 ml) of water and stir well. It's very embarrassing and I never wanted anyone to look. Trim and file your nails (when necessary). Indian Dermatol Online J. Space out your applications to give your nails a break. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. Yes, one way to free your fingers from yellow stain from nicotine is by using a dilute solution of water and bleach. However, in some cases, with heavy smokers or yellowing that has been on the hair for a long period, you may . Directions: In a small bowl, add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of warm water. 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. In rare situations, yellow nails can indicate the presence of skin cancer. You can repeat this process once a day for one week. Wrap the nail in foil and repeat on the rest of your nails. Other causes of yellow nails include; fungal infection, allergic reaction, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, thyroid disorder, liver disease, smoking . Kathi Valeii is a freelance writer covering the intersections of health, parenting, and social justice. If you do want to use a darker color, be especially sure to use a good-quality base coat to protect your nails. Vitamin E is known to help cells retain moisture and look healthier. They may decide it's best to finish the course (if it's short-term), or they may find another treatment option. Let your nails soak for 10 minutes, then remove and rinse! However, its easy to file your nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. By Kathi Valeii How to use: Mix 1 tsp of olive oil with 1 tsp honey, and apply the mixture to your cuticles. 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. As a result, they become discolored, brittle, and weak. Once you meet with a physician to properly diagnose the underlying cause of yellowing nails, you can then move on to remedying the problem. Not only is it a cosmetic problem, but researchers have noted an association between tobacco-stained skin and nails and smoking-related diseases. Mix four parts of water to one part peroxide, and soak for ten minutes. Mayo Clinic Staff. Once you've rubbed each nail, leave them to dry for 10 minutes. "Very handy article - bad pun not intended (maybe). The bulk of her work centers on parenting, education, health, and social justice. A good clarifying shampoo is perfect for this purpose and in many cases it will be all you need to get the yellowing removed. Alternatively, rub some lemon juice on the stains. 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? Expert Interview. This article has been viewed 142,540 times. at my hands. Use a clean cotton ball and more nail polish remover as needed. Approved. Juniper berries act as a strong disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by a fungal infection. I would smoke, and try to cover the stain on my finger with the cigarette butt. I'm so pleased to have some new advice & ways of preventing this hideous problem, can't wait to try them out! How to Cure Toenail Fungus: Can Vinegar Help? In addition, smoking can sometimes stain nails yellow. Soak your yellow nails in it for 15 minutes. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Yellow Nails After Acrylics: Causes and Treatments, How to Keep Your Nails From Breaking, Once and for All, Understanding the Link Between Yellow Fingernails and Vitamin Deficiencies, How to Brighten Discolored Nails (and Find Out What's Causing Them), How to Get Rid of Fingernail Ridges, According to Derms, 7 Ways to Safely Treat Toenail Fungus at Home, Put a Stop to Dry Cuticles With These 7 Quick Fixes. To prevent yellow nails, always apply a base coat before painting them with nail polish. Top reasons why your nails are yellow. Macura, A. B., Gasiska, T., Pawlik, B., & Oboza, A. (2007). "This can occur as a result of trauma, chemicals, certain medications and also certain inflammatory conditions like psoriasis," Maiman says. This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. Doctors may even need to prescribe oral and/or topical treatments in some cases, so it's really worth the trip. 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. The best way to get rid of yellowing nails is to diagnose and treat the problem before it's spiraled out of control. Yellow nail syndrome. Apply an over-the-counter anti-fungal solution or cream to your nails, such as clotrimazole or undecylenic acid. Your skin and nails stop yellowing when you stop smoking. In this case, Splichal says that "keratin or biotin supplements are helpful." Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disorder in which the cause is unknown. {"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":"