You may also notice that as you get older your nails start to look yellow, thick, and brittle, and grow more slowly. This is believed to be caused by a natural decrease in blood flow to the hands and feet as you age—it happens to most people. People who smoke are more likely to develop yellow nails.
Unfortunately, thickening toenails are a by-product of aging, in most cases. As we age, our toenails - and fingernails - slow their growth rate, and the nails thicken because the nail cells, called onychocytes, sort of pile up.
When toenails turn yellow, a fungus is usually to blame. This type of fungal infection is so common that you might not even need to see a doctor for treatment. Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream. If your nail is yellow and thick, gently file down the surface so that the drug can reach deeper layers.
Other medical issues – In addition to diabetes, medical issues like tuberculosis (lung infection), bronchiectasis (damaged airways), jaundice (liver disease), psoriasis (skin condition causing scaly patches), and thyroid problems may also cause yellow nails.
Typically, a diabetic's toenails might turn yellow due to the breakdown of sugar. Alternatively, toenails that have a yellow tint could be caused by a toenail infection. If you are someone that is living with diabetes, it is suggested that you consider contacting a podiatrist for more information.
Vitamin E deficiency may lead to yellow-colored nails. So can many other vitamin deficiencies or conditions. If you have yellow nails, see your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment. Yellow nail syndrome is a rare nail disorder.
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.
If your toenails continue becoming discolored, thicker, or deformed despite treatments, it's a good idea to see a doctor. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have diabetes, as toenail fungus can lead to more serious infections and diabetic foot problems.
A common cause for yellow toenails is toenail fungus, however, it may be indicative of other conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, yellow nail syndrome, lymphedema, lung problems, or jaundice.
You should see a healthcare provider any time you have yellow toenails. Even if they're only caused by a fungal infection, yellow toenails don't typically get better on their own. In fact, your symptoms may get worse.
If nails unexpectedly change in thickness, color, or texture, it is important to consult a doctor to rule out underlying conditions. Treatment depends on the severity of nail changes and the underlying cause. People can often prevent thick nails by avoiding infections and irritants, and keeping nails dry.
9) Use A Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide Mix
People often use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for deep cleaning, and this mixture is even beneficial for getting rid of yellow nails. It is one of the more well-known remedies for yellow nails.
Care for your toenails.
Trim toenails keeping the edges aligned with the tips of the toes. Because nails become more brittle as we age, they're typically easier to trim after a foot soak. Be sure to cut toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
If they are treated properly, fungal toenail infections typically take several months of treatment to heal. Since the healing properties of fungal nail treatments work as your nail grows, the speed at which your nails grow makes a difference. In general, it takes around 3-6 months to see results.
Nail psoriasis sometimes causes too much keratin to grow under the nail. This overgrowth is called subungual hyperkeratosis. People with hyperkeratosis may notice a white, chalky substance under the nail. When this occurs in the toenails, the pressure of shoes pushing down on the nails might cause pain.
"It helps your cuticles, keeps your hands and nails hydrated, and works better than callus removal if you put it on your feet and wear socks overnight," says Nguyen. "The best part is that it's affordable and probably already in your medicine cabinet!" she adds.
Once your toenail grows thick, it will always be thick, this is a permanent change.
Yellowing of the skin is the classic feature of jaundice but yellow toenails are often seen with it as well. Jaundice is a medical condition where a problem with the liver causes high levels of bilirubin, resulting in yellowing of the skin, eyes, mouth and nails.
Thyroid, liver and lung diseases, amongst other conditions like diabetes, can all lead to yellowing nails. If after 10-14 days of at-home treatments, you don't see any improvement go see your doctor. They will be able to test whether the yellow nails are due to fungus, yeast, bacteria, or something more serious.
YNS is diagnosed based on a triad associating yellow nail discoloration, pulmonary manifestations (chronic cough, bronchiectasia, pleural effusion) and lower limb lymphedema. Chronic sinusitis is frequently associated with the triad. YNS etiology remains unknown but a role of lymphatic impairment is usually evoked.
Best Overall
We chose the Lamisil Terbinafine Hydrochloride Antifungal Cream as our top pick because it works to address a variety of infections, including toenail fungus. The prescription-strength cream comes highly recommended by Dr. Lipner because it can treat athlete's foot before it spreads to the toenails.