Yellow nails can stem from common issues like nail polish staining, trauma, or fungal infections (onychomycosis), but can also signal underlying problems such as diabetes, lung conditions (like Yellow Nail Syndrome), thyroid issues, or liver disease, requiring medical attention to find the cause, especially if nails thicken or stop growing.
Yellowing of the nail can indicate a fungal infection of the nail, more commonly seen in toenails than fingernails. The discoloration becomes worse with tight-fitting shoes or trauma to the nail plates and can be associated with athlete's foot, as well. The most common fungal infection is from the Trichophyton family.
Pour 2 1⁄2 tbsp. baking soda into a small bowl and add 1 tbsp. hydrogen peroxide. Mix well then use a cotton ball to dip into your mixture. Apply to your toenails. Let it set for 5 minutes, then rinse well. Repeat daily. You can also use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide separately if you only have one.
Low levels of certain vitamins, like zinc or B12, can lead to weak, yellow-colored nails. Some people opt to take vitamins that specifically target hair and nail health. But you don't always need to take these vitamins to make sure your body is getting what it needs.
Yellow nails can have many causes. It may be a sign of a fungal infection, which also can lead to thickening and crumbling. Yellow nails also can be a symptom of more serious health problems, including thyroid conditions, liver disease, congestive heart failure, lung disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Nail changes in vitamin B12 deficiency present as hyperpigmentation of nails like bluish discoloration of nails, blue-black pigmentation with dark longitudinal streaks, and longitudinal and reticulate darkened streaks. The nail pigmentation associated with B12 deficiency is more frequent in patients with dark skin.
In some people, symptoms may disappear completely. Nail symptoms may improve in up to 1 in 3 people who get treatment for yellow nail syndrome. Respiratory symptoms and swelling may also go away. But you may need to see your healthcare provider regularly to keep symptoms at bay.
Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water or vinegar and water can combat fungal infections. Vicks Vapo Rub will help dry the nail to combat fungus. Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice daily can help ease symptoms. Olive leaf extract has both antibacterial and antifungal effects.
To use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to return your nails to a healthy color, you must first create a mixture of 1 part hydrogen peroxide and 3 parts baking soda. Then, using a cotton swab, apply the mixture to the nails and let sit for 3-5 minutes.
Yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is a rare disorder characterized by slow-growing, yellow, thickened nails, lymphedema, and respiratory tract involvement. Pulmonary symptoms, such as pleural effusions or bronchiectasis, often accompany the nail abnormalities, while lymphedema may involve the extremities.
The good news is that nail discoloration from nail polish is harmless. It usually goes away in a few weeks once the new nail grows out.
Soak your nails for 10-15 minutes daily in lemon juice until the stains have disappeared. Or, if you think your polish stains are just immediate, e.g. you've just removed yellow polish and see superficial stains, try whitening toothpaste. Scrub your nails with toothpaste using a nail brush. This should do the trick.
You can treat yellow nails depending on the cause with antifungal medications or vitamin E supplements. Practicing nail hygiene and limiting nail polish use can help you prevent yellow nails.
Leaving nail polish on for an extended period can cause yellowing. It's best to remove the polish after a week or so and let your nails breathe for a few days before applying a new coat.
Natural aging processes – There are numerous ways your body is affected as it ages, including both diminished blood flow and toenails becoming thicker. Combined, these can lead to yellow coloration.
Vicks VapoRub
It contains the active ingredients camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol. Lab studies and one small human study have shown that Vicks VapoRub can work to treat toenail fungus in some people when applied to the nail. Most people were happy with the results and experienced no side effects.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia
Koilonychia is indented nails. Instead of growing straight, your nails look concave, like spoons. In many people, koilonychia is a sign of iron deficiency. Usually, you can get rid of spoon nails by treating the underlying cause.
Toothpaste has the same benefits for your nails as it does for your teeth—it will strengthen your nails, and it will also whiten them. Plus, toothpaste will speed up nail growth. Rub toothpaste onto your nails once a day for about a week, and you'll see a dramatic change in your nail health.
Hydrogen Peroxide Soak: Dilute hydrogen peroxide with water (1:3). Soak your nails in the solution for a couple of minutes. Rinse thoroughly, then moisturise your nails. Vinegar Soak: In a mixing bowl, combine equal parts white vinegar and water.
To keep your fingernails looking their best: