How To Get Rid Of Yellow Nails Fast With the acidic corrosive and malice corrosive nearness, apple juice vinegar could help diminish nails' staining. For more tips, including how to prevent your fingers from getting stained by nicotine, read on! Add one teaspoon of crushed juniper berries to a bowl of warm water. However, it is important to be aware that home remedies are not always effective. Read on to see if its right for you. Will update on progress as I've gotta find one of these remedies. "In fact, vitamin B12 more commonly causes blue nails, not yellow." 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. 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 yellow nails are caused by a yeast or bacteria, try some of the treatments above to help clear it up. When they become discolored, it usually means that youve picked up an infection or nail fungus. You need to allow the juice to set for bit loner, about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. If you develop new darkly colored streaks in the nail, you should see your doctor right away. "It is important to start treatment early while the area of nail involvement is still small," says Kosinski. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 142,540 times. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Andrea Jordan is a beauty and lifestyle freelance writer covering topics from hair and skincare to family and home. Fungal infections may require antifungals. The dye from dark nail polish can seep into the nail enamel, leaving them permanently stained. at my hands. The good news is that you don't have to give up nail polish altogether. Following are few remedies to get rid of yellow nails that are very efficient. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. If it doesnt improve over the course of 10 days to two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. There are plenty of home remedies that you can try to treat the condition. In rare situations, yellow nails can indicate the presence of skin cancer. 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. A., Ribeiro, R. F., Alves, S. H., Rolim, C. M., Beck, R. C., & da Silva, C. B., (2013, April). Infections, trauma, nail polish stains, smoking, and medication side effects may be to blame for yellow nails. Yellow nails are a bona fide beauty concern. "Next gently scrub the surface of the nails with a soft toothbrush and rinse with water," Maiman says. Alternatively, rub some lemon juice on the stains. All rights reserved. The nicotine and tar from cigarettes can cause yellow staining on the nails. Cut a potato in half and rub it into your skin. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. I've always known about the toothpaste theory & lemon juice. Other causes of yellow nails include; fungal infection, allergic reaction, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, thyroid disorder, liver disease, smoking . Hydrogen peroxide has some whitening properties that can remove nicotine stains from your fingernails. 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. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Wrap the nail in foil and repeat on the rest of your nails. Not to mention, this condition can also be hereditary, although it's pretty rare. Dry your nails and apply moisturizing lotion and cuticle oil. Keep in mind that this method will sting if you have any small cuts on your fingers. Lemon Method 1- Lemon Juice Method 2- Lemon Juice, Olive Oil and Honey Method 3- Lemon Juice with Glycerin 2. But there are things you can try yourself to help repair and, Learn all about dark circles under your eyes. Fingernails, on the other hand, will need different cleaning products. Although, it's much more prevalent on the toes than the fingers. Tea tree oil is a disinfectant and naturally fights fungus, which could help combat the yellowing of your nails. The color on the nails can range from light yellow to dark brown. A base coat also serves as an anchor for the colored polish to hold onto. Stained and yellowed nails can be extremely unappealing, especially when you want to give your nails breathing time in between polishes. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub the stains on your hands until they're all gone. Hydrogen peroxide has been proven to help whiten teeth effectively when combined with baking soda, and its a common ingredient in whitening toothpaste. "Very handy article - bad pun not intended (maybe). However, in some cases, with heavy smokers or yellowing that has been on the hair for a long period, you may . To fix nicotine-stained fingers, washing them thoroughly with soap and water is usually enough to fix them. For example, if you're a smoker and your nails are tobacco-stained, you'll need to quit smoking. Be sure to use small circles and take your time to avoid damaging your nails. Tobacco-stained fingers may be more than a cosmetic issue. Soaking your feet or toes in hot water mixed with baking soda may prevent the fungus from spreading. You only want to remove the very top, stained layer of your nail. 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. Your nails can tell you loads about your health, so you might want to head over to your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. BMJ Open. In order to fully treat yellowed nails, the nails themselves have to be bare, with no layers of polish or varnish. See here for our favorite vitamins for nails. Another way to get rid of smokers lines is to use laser skin resurfacing. Along with the causes of dark. One study noted an 84% frequency of tobacco-related diseases among people with tobacco-stained fingers. The Best 8 Home Remedies for Cysts: Do They Work? Youre a nail expert. Coconut Oil Lemon Juice Is Not Only A refreshing Drink! The lotion can help to reduce the smell of the cigarette smoke as well. Keep reading to see what they had to say about getting rid of yellow nails. 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. Space out your applications to give your nails a break. She also recommends applying a base coat to act as a barrier between the nail and the pigment. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Do this two to three times daily for several weeks. At-home biomarker tests can screen for fertility, heart health, STIs, and certain cancers. Soak your nails for 20 minutes before drying them with a towel or air-drying. This procedure uses a laser to remove the top layer of skin, which includes the wrinkles. Vitamin E is known to help cells retain moisture and look healthier. Tip #1: Using Baking Soda or Toothpaste. As a freelance writer, Kathi has experience writing both reported features and essays for national publications on the topics of healthcare, advocacy, and education. 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. They do present some common side effects, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Let your nails soak for 10 minutes, then remove and rinse! 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. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. You may want to wear a mask when doing this method. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Scrub your nails using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda for 2-3 minutes to quickly lighten them. 3. If you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, consult with a doctor before trying any of these remedies. "If there is a medical cause, then professional evaluation and treatment will improve the appearance of the nail," Maiman says. "This condition, which is an excess of beta-carotene, is most commonly seen in children," Maiman says, and in addition to yellow nails, it can also cause skin-yellowing, too. Expert Interview. You can find her work on her Instagram account @superflynails. Soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes each day until you are happy with the results. Oregano oil has been found to have antimicrobial properties. Singal A, Bisherwal K. Melanonychia: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Apply a gentle moisturizer to your hands and nails. Do not use this method if you are sensitive to bleach. This article has been viewed 142,540 times. "It is important to start treatment early while the area of nail involvement is still small," says Kosinski. When it comes to nail care, most of us don't go beyond keeping groomed cuticles and handling a hangnail once in a blue moon (maybe more, if you're prone to picking). Many things can cause yellow nails, including staining from substances like nail polish or a serious underlying health condition. 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) Research even shows vitamin E can helpsupport a healthy, fresh nail color4. ", "Gave me new ideas to help improve my cleanliness. Yellow nails are not to be ignored, and finding out the underlying cause will lead to healthier nails and better general health. Baking Soda and Lemon 4. When a fungal infection, like athlete's foot3 occurs in the nail, it leads to a thickening of the nail plate and accumulation of debris beneath it, both of which can lead to a yellow hue, Maiman says. Nail Artist. These include: Melanonychia is a condition that results in discoloration of the nails. You could blend some tepid water with apple juice vinegar. Whitening, "Some great suggestions here. Yellow nail syndrome in three siblings: A randomized double-blind trial of topical vitamin E. Flores, F. C., de Lima, J. Enjoy! Yellow nail syndrome. Top reasons why your nails are yellow. Remedies. If you do want to use a darker color, be especially sure to use a good-quality base coat to protect your nails. A Definitive Answer, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Alternatively, if your nail polish contains formaldehyde and many do the formaldehyde may be reacting with "the keratin protein in your nails," according to dermatologist Dr. Rachel Maiman (via Mind Body Green). Be mindful of nail salons and spas that could spread fungal infections and disease to customers. Let them dissolve completely. Trim and file your nails (when necessary). Potato helped me removed nicotine stains from my fingers. To prevent yellow nails, always apply a base coat before painting them with nail polish. Hydrogen Peroxide. More rarely, theyre a, Filing your nails is a good way to keep a uniform length and shape. Only buff each nail for about 10 seconds. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 930,159 times. For this, you need the standard brown-bottle stuff that you can find on Amazon. Another solution is potato. "When your nails become weaker and thinner, you might experience discoloration with your nails, where they turn slightly yellow," adds Amy Lin, the founder ofsundaysa nail care brand focused on wellness. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Yellow nails can signify an underlying issue not related to polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes. 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. (2015, July 21). Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve. Antifungal activity of nanocapsule suspensions containing tea tree oil on the growth of Trichophyton rubrum [Abstract]. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. Its effective against bacteria and fungi, which makes it a great treatment if youre not sure whats causing your nails to become yellow. Hydrogen Peroxide 3. 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. Bleach, toothpaste, and lemon juice are all effective ways to remove nicotine stains from your fingers. To use denture cleaning tablets to whiten your nails, follow these simple directions: Place 3 denture cleaning tablets in a cup of lukewarm water. There are, however, other causes of, From infections to the normal side effects of aging, cracked nails have many causes. Nail Psoriasis vs. Fungus: What Are the Differences? "The most common culprit is a dermatophyte known as Trichophyton rubrum," says Kosinski. You can use Bael Wellness Tea Tree Oil to prevent yellowing of your nails. 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. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Lemon. Nail fungus: symptoms, Toenail problems: nails. If this is a condition you may be dealing with, it's best to visit a doctor to avoid infection. Some medications, especially antibiotics, cancer drugs, and acne medicines, can also cause yellow nails. The best way to get rid of yellowing nails is to diagnose and treat the problem before it's spiraled out of control. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. A condition called yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is indicated by continually yellow nails and respiratory or lymphatic problems. Be aware that no oral or topical antifungal is 100 percent effective and recurrence of nail fungus is common. Her work has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and StyleCaster. Alternatively, you could also create a soak by adding the hydrogen peroxide and baking soda mix into about 1 cup of water, and soaking your nails for about 5-10 minutes. Although, those stains are more than a mere cosmetic concern: "This can also cause the nail plates to become brittle," says Maiman. (One of the many reasons we recommend you toss the cigarettes!) 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. 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. 2014;23(151):180-182. Hydrogen peroxide, too, can help whiten yellow nails. The good news? Experts ExplainAnd Tell Us How to Stop, Why Does My Body Itch? As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Mia Rubie is a Nail Artist and the Owner of Sparkle San Francisco, a nail studio based in San Francisco, California. Try using a whitening toothpaste for extra tough nicotine stains. Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Numerous things can cause yellow nails. It can also mean that your nails have been stained by a product like nail polish, or that youre having an allergic reaction. Household products like a paste of baking soda and water or toothpaste with whitening agents can help eliminate yellowing of the fingernails. Of course, if nail discoloration is caused by aging, it won't be possible to get rid of the yellow nails. Apply lemon to your nails Lemon is a natural bleaching agent, which can therefore help whiten the nails. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. It can be caused by fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, inflammatory disorders, tumors, systemic diseases like endocrine disorders and AIDS, trauma, and nutritional deficiencies. 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. ", "The lemon and toothpaste one helped me the most!". That's because DHA penetrates the naturally occurring dead skin cells on your epidermis and darkens them, mimicking a tanif it finds its way to the skin on your fingertips, it might give your nails a sunless tan, too. Tea Oil Stop rubbing the area if it becomes red or. 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. Otherwise known as onycholysis1, separation of the nail plate and the nail bed can also cause the nails to appear yellow. In some cases, nails that remain yellow despite repeated treatment can be a symptom of thyroid conditions, psoriasis, or diabetes. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. The fungus can cause your nails to become thick, brittle, and discoloured. If your nails are damaged (and, by default, yellowing significantly), talk to your doctor about other options. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Let it sit on the affected nails for 5 minutes or so and then wash off. The most reliable way to remove a cyst is to have your doctor do it. Macura, A. 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. 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. A good clarifying shampoo is perfect for this purpose and in many cases it will be all you need to get the yellowing removed. 3. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Indian Dermatol Online J. Smoking. A more serious issue (perhaps an infection or other illness) could be the cause of your yellow nails. 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. Nail fungus: Prevention, Mayo Clinic Staff. She received her bachelor's in Magazine Journalism from Temple University and you can find her work at top publications like InStyle, PopSugar, StyleCaster, Business Insider, PureWow and OprahMag. Sometimes having yellow nails can be an indication of something more serious. You can also rub the cut side of a lemon on your nails, then let it sit for 10 minutes to lighten them. "Listerine". How to Cure Toenail Fungus: Can Vinegar Help? Dont attempt this method when you have an open wound or right after using a different stain removal method. People Are Using Listerine as a Foot SoakSo Does It Work? 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. Never stop taking a medication without first talking with a healthcare provider. Fungal infection. (That's our motto: When in doubt, ask an MD.) Not only is it a cosmetic problem, but researchers have noted an association between tobacco-stained skin and nails and smoking-related diseases. 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. Mia Rubie. Stir well with a spoon to create a slush-like mixture. You can repeat this process up to 10 times per day. (2006, July). "I have had trouble with staining on my finger quite often. But thats not always the case. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) 5. Your doctor will be able to run tests that will determine whether your yellow nails are being caused by fungus, yeast, bacteria, or something more serious. If you frequently wear nail polish, you may notice that your nails become stained yellow. You can repeat this process once a day for one week. Fungal infections commonly cause nail discoloration. No More Yellow Toenails: Your Guide to Healthy Nails and Feet, Cracked Skin Around Nails: At-Home Remedies & Solutions. Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. "In fact, vitamin B12 more commonly causes blue . If your nails are yellow from melanonychia, treatment may involve stopping medication or treating the underlying disease or trauma. Smoking causes a wide range of negative health effects, but it also has some obvious physical effects, such as yellow nicotine stains on your nails and fingers. If this isnt enough to get rid of the stains, then you can also soak your fingers in the solution for five minute intervals five times a day. Vicks VapoRub Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Furthermore, lemon juice also provides the work of an astringent. Getting rid of yellow nails depends on the cause. These include: Most of the time, nail discoloration resolves after you stop taking the medication. Soak your yellow nails in it for 15 minutes. The smoke by volume is much greater with a hookah than a typical cigarette. ", toothpaste and the lemon juice when done consecutively did the trick. Thanks to all contributors. Nails can tell you a lot about your overall health. Avoid these remedies if you have open wounds. Keep in mind that this method will sting if you have any small cuts on your fingertips. After rinsing off the toothpaste, apply lotion to your hands and nails to keep them hydrated. 2020;11(1):1-11. doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_167_19. If your nails continue to be yellow, there may be something else going on in your body. You may want to request ciclopirox (Penlac Nail Lacquer) as an alternative prescription treatment. You can also add two tablespoons (30 ml) of dried orange peel powder to water to create a paste. It can be done in a doctor's office and does not require any downtime. In this case, 89% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Healthy nail growth will gradually replace the yellowed appearance of your nails. The sandpaper from a matchbox will also work. 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. Research even shows vitamin E can help support a healthy, fresh nail color 4. Mix 4 parts water with 1 part bleach for this solution in a glass container. Lemon can efficiently help to get rid of yellow nails because it is a natural bleaching agent. "Nails are made of mainly hardened proteins," Lin explains (namely, a protein calledkeratin). For more tips, including how to prevent your fingers from getting stained by nicotine, read on! Health benefits of quitting smoking over time. After attempting to treat yellow nails at home, your condition should begin to improve. Do the paste method twice a day for a couple of weeks. In . % of people told us that this article helped them. By using our site, you agree to our. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This article was medically reviewed by Jennifer Boidy, RN. 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? By using our site, you agree to our. Mix well and place your fingertips in the bowl. Be sure to consult a doctor if your yellowed nails do not improve or lessen after trying these methods. 2013;3(11):e003304. 20. Yes, smoking often leads to tobacco-stained fingers and nails. With the use of a toothbrush, gently brush the toothpaste and baking soda mixture over your nails. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! You can prevent nail discoloration by being careful about nail hygiene. Thanks for advice, hope it works now! If you hold the cigarette while taking a drag, it will discolor your finger. In some individuals, nail polish or nail polish remover can also chemically damage the nail plate.". Once you meet with a physician to properly diagnose the underlying cause of yellowing nails, you can then move on to remedying the problem. Although: "Some articles claim that deficiencies of vitamin B12 and zinc can cause yellow nails, but it's not common," says Maiman. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you wear dark nail polish and your nails are stained, you may need to switch to a lighter color and wear a base coat. "There is a great product I often recommend called Nuvail, which is designed to make the nails stronger," Splichal says. Yellow nails range in appearance from a slight discoloration to a noticeable dark yellow color. 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. However, home remedies could help, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. It is a 100% Australian Tea Tree Oil that has multiple benefits. Since vitamin E stimulates healthy nail growth, it can be applied topically or taken orally to help your nails grow in quickly. According to Self, the pigments in dark-colored nail polish may react with natural compounds found within the nail plate. Some plain knit winter gloves will help to reduce the smoke exposure, but some may still seep through. That's why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like vitamin E, are beloved in nail care. "Certain nail polishes contain triphenyl phosphate, toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate," says Splichal, who adds that those are all ingredients that "can weaken and leech the nutrients from the nails." Scrub your nails using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda for 2-3 minutes to quickly lighten them. Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse in Maryland. "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. {"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":"