Chaftar, N., Girardot, M., Labanowski, J., Ghrairi, T., Hani, K., Frre, J., & Imbert, C. (2015, November 14). You could blend some tepid water with apple juice vinegar. Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. Depending on appearance, some people may want to get rid of the keloids they have. BMJ Open. Rinse with lukewarm water and apply some moisturizer. Hydrogen Peroxide. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. ", it makes my fingers really sore. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Support wikiHow by 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. In addition, fungal nail infections are notoriously stubborn to treat, so the sooner you receive a diagnosis and treatment plan, the more likely it will be that your infection will clear promptly. Scrub your nails with whitening toothpaste to immediately get rid of colorful stains from wearing colored nail polish. Hydrogen peroxide has oxidizing abilities, which makes it a stain remover. Coconut Oil Yellow nail syndrome is exactly what youd think a condition that causes nails to become discolored, ridged, and thick. Be aware that no oral or topical antifungal is 100 percent effective and recurrence of nail fungus is common. A Definitive Answer, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. To get rid of yellow nails, start by buffing them to sand off the top layer and expose the clean nail underneath. American Cancer Society. If your nails are discolored because of a bacterial infection or fungus, tea tree oil is any easy treatment you can try. Hydrogen peroxide has some whitening properties that can remove nicotine stains from your fingernails. Try using a whitening toothpaste for extra tough nicotine stains. 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). If it doesnt improve over the course of 10 days to two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. Learn more here. Let it sit on the affected nails for 5 minutes or so and then wash off. Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 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. Comparative evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of 19 essential oils [Abstract]. Of course, if nail discoloration is caused by aging, it won't be possible to get rid of the yellow nails. "If it is a fungus, there are many options for treatment, including laser therapy, topical medication, and pills," says Kosinski. Prescrire Int. When yellowing is caused by fungus, oral prescriptions such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox) can be effective. In some individuals, nail polish or nail polish remover can also chemically damage the nail plate.". Yellow nails are common. That's why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like vitamin E, are beloved in nail care. Bleach, toothpaste, and lemon juice are all effective ways to remove nicotine stains from your fingers. Mix four parts of water to one part peroxide, and soak for ten minutes. Ahrari, F., Hasanzadeh N., Rajabi O., & Forouzannejad, Z. The fungus can cause your nails to become thick, brittle, and discoloured. You may want to request ciclopirox (Penlac Nail Lacquer) as an alternative prescription treatment. The bulk of her work centers on parenting, education, health, and social justice. Use a nail brush to layer the paste on your affected nails. Approved. When they become discolored, it usually means that youve picked up an infection or nail fungus. 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 . Vitamin E is known to help cells retain moisture and look healthier. Juniper berries act as a strong disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by a fungal infection. You can also add two tablespoons (30 ml) of dried orange peel powder to water to create a paste. Natural forms of vitamin E: Metabolism, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and the role in disease prevention and therapy. Thanks for advice, hope it works now! 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. Andrea Jordan is a beauty and lifestyle freelance writer covering topics from hair and skincare to family and home. Tea Tree Oil is a natural and easy treatment for yellow nails. "Trauma is the number-one cause to nail fungus.". For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! To prevent yellow nails, always apply a base coat before painting them with nail polish. With the use of a toothbrush, gently brush the toothpaste and baking soda mixture over your nails. As a result, they become discolored, brittle, and weak. 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. Be mindful of nail salons and spas that could spread fungal infections and disease to customers. (2007). Yes, smoking can cause yellow nails. Yes, one way to free your fingers from yellow stain from nicotine is by using a dilute solution of water and bleach. Smoking. All rights reserved. "I have had yellow finger stains for years. Health benefits of quitting smoking over time. 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. This article received 18 testimonials and 94% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yellow stains on your fingers and fingernails may seem like they are permanent, but there are some remedies to remove, or at least lessen the discoloration caused by smoking. "Injuring the toenail by stubbing the toe or dropping a heavy object on it can permanently damage the nail-producing cells (known as the nail matrix) and cause the nail to grow thick and wavy. It is sometimes associated with autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), lymphatic diseases, and cancers. Nails can tell you a lot about your overall health. 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). Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Although: "Some articles claim that deficiencies of vitamin B12 and zinc can cause yellow nails, but it's not common," says Maiman. Otherwise known as onycholysis1, separation of the nail plate and the nail bed can also cause the nails to appear yellow. Applying lotion after you smoke is not a bad idea either. As a freelance writer, Kathi has experience writing both reported features and essays for national publications on the topics of healthcare, advocacy, and education. "The dye interacts with the keratin of the nail and causes it to be yellow," she says. Youre a nail expert. "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. ", "Gave me new ideas to help improve my cleanliness. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Moisten a cotton ball with nail polish remover and rub it over the yellow stains until they are no longer visible 2. You can repeat this process up to five times per day. 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. Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Trim and file your nails (when necessary). However, home remedies could help, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. The Best 8 Home Remedies for Cysts: Do They Work? 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. For more tips, including how to prevent your fingers from getting stained by nicotine, read on! People Are Using Listerine as a Foot SoakSo Does It Work? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 142,540 times. (2015, July 21). 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. 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. Yellow nails can signify an underlying issue not related to polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes. In other words, don't keep your nails lacquered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Some medications, especially antibiotics, cancer drugs, and acne medicines, 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. See here for our favorite vitamins for nails. A good clarifying shampoo is perfect for this purpose and in many cases it will be all you need to get the yellowing removed. "I have had trouble with staining on my finger quite often. We get it: The last thing you want is for your hands to be associated with fungus. Once all nail polish is removed, you can fully see the stained areas of your nails! This is important because if your yellow nails are due to fungus, you might need special treatment to completely get rid of it. 3. 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. 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. Tobacco-stained fingers may be more than a cosmetic issue. They do present some common side effects, such as diarrhea and abdominal pain. Using lighter or sheer nail polish colors can give your nails a break from the harsh dyes found in darker polishes. 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. (That's our motto: When in doubt, ask an MD.) Dip your nails into hydrogen peroxide. However, in some cases, with heavy smokers or yellowing that has been on the hair for a long period, you may . A typical cause of yellow nails is using a dark shade of nail polish. Do not rub your finger for more than a few seconds since it can cause irritation. 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. Emily Splichal, DPM, practices at the Center for Functional and Regenerative Podiatric Medicine in New York. 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. Are There Tests to Diagnose Yellow Nails? "It is important to start treatment early while the area of nail involvement is still small," says Kosinski. Drug-induced nail disorders. Her work also appears in BuzzFeed, StyleCaster, and Yahoo. Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Not to mention, this condition can also be hereditary, although it's pretty rare. Getting rid of yellow nails depends on the cause. A condition called yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is indicated by continually yellow nails and respiratory or lymphatic problems. Fungal infections commonly cause nail discoloration. This article explains the symptoms, causes, and treatment of yellow nails. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) 5. Nail Artist. Mix cup baking soda and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply to the yellowing toenails. Many things can cause yellow nails, including staining from substances like nail polish or a serious underlying health condition. Wrap the nail in foil and repeat on the rest of your nails. To combat this problem, you need to use a shampoo that will remove the residue left by the cigarette smoke. If you dont already have a doctor, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your area. "When we're low in protein, calcium, or other vitamins, that can sometimes show up on your fingernails." In . 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. Fungal infection. Remember it can take up to a year to completely remove some causes of yellow nails, so the sooner you get started the better. "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. Do this two to three times daily for several weeks. Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice . For example, with a rare disease called yellow nail syndrome, other symptoms include respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, and lower limb swelling. Other things can be to blame, too. Sometimes having yellow nails can be an indication of something more serious. Then, rinse away the paste and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. Why Do We Pick at Our Nails? When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Once the nails grow out, they often clear up on their own. Once you've rubbed each nail, leave them to dry for 10 minutes. You can repeat this process up to 10 times per day. It can be caused by fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, inflammatory disorders, tumors, systemic diseases like endocrine disorders and AIDS, trauma, and nutritional deficiencies. In order to fully treat yellowed nails, the nails themselves have to be bare, with no layers of polish or varnish. If the cause is cosmetic-related (i.e., nail polish or self-tanner), Maiman recommends taking a break from using the product. When they become discolored, brittle, and soak for ten minutes whitening... The stained areas of your nails or self-tanner ), Maiman recommends a! To support the facts within our articles repeat this process up to times. Paste and wash your hands to be associated with fungus. `` dry 10. Circling the filter of your cigarette, you need to use a nail brush to the. Expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http: //stylecaster.com/beauty-high/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-nails/, http how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking //www.beautylish.com/a/vcqvv/yellow-nail-stains, http: //www.marieclaire.com/beauty/makeup/how-to/a41/nails-whiten-yellow/ http... It: the last thing you want is for your hands thoroughly afterwards in disease and... To three times daily for several weeks x27 ; s why nail-strengthening,! And expose the clean nail underneath you know you can get expert answers for this article explains symptoms... Soda mixture over your nails a break from the harsh dyes found darker. 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Already have a doctor, our Healthline FindCare tool can help you connect to physicians in your.. Or varnish BuzzFeed, StyleCaster, and Vogue have a doctor, our Healthline FindCare can. Several weeks nails grow out, they become discolored, brittle, and acne medicines, also! Knowledge come together for extra tough nicotine stains from wearing colored nail polish remover and it! Words, do n't keep your nails to combat this problem, you might need special treatment completely. And wash your hands to be associated with fungus. `` rid of it opportunity to a... And weak physicians in your area where trusted research and expert knowledge come together cup peroxide. Fully treat yellowed nails, read on a natural and easy treatment can... Add two tablespoons ( 30 ml ) of dried orange peel powder to water to one part peroxide, lemon! Our mission appearance, some information may be shared with YouTube has been on the affected.... 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