The best way to get rid of yellowing nails is to diagnose and treat the problem before it's spiraled out of control. Try apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, mouth wash, or orange peels. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. 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. This article received 18 testimonials and 94% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. "Combine 3 to 4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and one-half cup of water," she says. Macura, A. "The more extensive the involvement, the more difficult the infection is to treat.". However, it is important to be aware that home remedies are not always effective. Hydrogen peroxide goes deep into the nail and lightens the coloring, similar to the way that bleach strips the color out of hair. What Causes Nails To Yellow? Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Along with the causes of dark. Then, use your fingertips or an old toothbrush to rub the toothpaste all over the surface of your nails and leave for 10 minutes to dry. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. 3. If you develop new darkly colored streaks in the nail, you should see your doctor right away. Although, those stains are more than a mere cosmetic concern: "This can also cause the nail plates to become brittle," says Maiman. That's why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like vitamin E, are beloved in nail care. This is usually noticeable in people who have smoked regularly for a long period of time. Baking soda can also be used to bleach yellow nails and help restore their natural color. Fungal nail infections. Some plain knit winter gloves will help to reduce the smoke exposure, but some may still seep through. Przeglad lekarski,64(6), 406409. Fungal infection. If the cause is cosmetic-related (i.e., nail polish or self-tanner), Maiman recommends taking a break from using the product. If your nails are discolored because of a bacterial infection or fungus, tea tree oil is any easy treatment you can try. But it's really bad at the moment so I thought I would Google it to see if there was anything else I can do & this wonderful piece came up! She received her Associate of Science in Nursing from Carroll Community College in 2012. "This can occur as a result of trauma, chemicals, certain medications and also certain inflammatory conditions like psoriasis," Maiman says. ", best for me. Read on to see if its right for you. Of course, if nail discoloration is caused by aging, it won't be possible to get rid of the yellow 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. You can repeat this process up to 10 times per day. Last medically reviewed on April 3, 2017, Peeling nails can result from trauma to the nail. Fungal nail infections are often treated with antifungal medications, laser therapy, or nail removal. Lemon Juice Is Not Only A refreshing Drink! There are, however, other causes of, From infections to the normal side effects of aging, cracked nails have many causes. Then, dip your nails into the solution and soak them for about 15 minutes. A case-control study. Thanks for advice, hope it works now! When she's not writing, you can find Andrea tackling new recipes in the kitchen or babysitting one of her many nieces and nephews. Following are few remedies to get rid of yellow nails that are very efficient. Yellow nails can signify an underlying issue not related to polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 142,540 times. Mix well and place your fingertips in the bowl. Why do smokers nails turn yellow? Add one teaspoon of crushed juniper berries to a bowl of warm water. Lemon Method 1- Lemon Juice Method 2- Lemon Juice, Olive Oil and Honey Method 3- Lemon Juice with Glycerin 2. It's available by prescription only, though, so seeing a medical professional is necessary. "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. Leave the lemon coating on your fingers for 5-10 minutes and then rinse it away with warm water. Many things can cause yellow nails. Wrap the nail in foil and repeat on the rest of your nails. "This is a physical sign that your nails may need a breather from polish.". Stop rubbing the area if it becomes red or. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! First, wet your hands and apply toothpaste to a clean toothbrush. Especially if you're using traditional polishes that contain formaldehyde, camphor, and toluene, as these harsher ingredients can weaken the nail plate. Not only is it a cosmetic problem, but researchers have noted an association between tobacco-stained skin and nails and smoking-related diseases. Our editors have independently chosen the products listed on this page. 10. Health benefits of quitting smoking over time. Baking Soda and Lemon 4. 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. If you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, consult with a doctor before trying any of these remedies. Mix four parts of water to one part peroxide, and soak for ten minutes. Sometimes surgery is required for respiratory problems, like pleural effusions (fluid-filled membranes in the lungs). Treatment of yellow nails will depend on the cause. Rinse with lukewarm water and apply some moisturizer. Potato helped me removed nicotine stains from my fingers. 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 . 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. Natural forms of vitamin E: Metabolism, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and the role in disease prevention and therapy. Then, rinse away the paste and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. You may want to wear a mask when doing this method. By Kathi Valeii Since vitamin E stimulates healthy nail growth, it can be applied topically or taken orally to help your nails grow in quickly. 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). B., Gasiska, T., Pawlik, B., & Oboza, A. We like the biotin supplement from Nature's Bounty, as it bolsters nail health from the inside out. Yellow nails can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from dark nail polishes to fungal treatments. 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. Once you meet with a physician to properly diagnose the underlying cause of yellowing nails, you can then move on to remedying the problem. Jennifer Boidy is a Registered Nurse in Maryland. In addition to discoloration, you may also notice nails that stop growing, separate from the nail bed or are brittle. If needed, you can repeat this process two to three times a week. Just try this amazing DIY solution using lemons to get rid of yellow toenails or fingernail. Treatment for yellow nails depends on the cause. No More Yellow Toenails: Your Guide to Healthy Nails and Feet, Cracked Skin Around Nails: At-Home Remedies & Solutions. Juniper berries act as a strong disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by a fungal infection. Orange Peel 9. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. "In fact, vitamin B12 more commonly causes blue nails, not yellow." Hydrogen Peroxide 3. 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. Oregano Oil 8. American Academy of Dermatology Association. White vinegar is one of the most effective products for whitening and cleaning nails. Keep in mind that this method will sting if you have any small cuts on your fingertips. Both of these drugs have been flagged by the FDA as potentially dangerous to the liver for long-term use. Tea tree oil is a disinfectant and naturally fights fungus, which could help combat the yellowing of your nails. Nail staining can occur from wearing dark-colored nail polish and from smoking cigarettes. Buffing your nails will help to remove the yellow stains that may be caused by smoking. "If it is a fungus, there are many options for treatment, including laser therapy, topical medication, and pills," says Kosinski. Most likely, your nails have become discolored because of an infection you have or a product you used. You can use Bael Wellness Tea Tree Oil to prevent yellowing of 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. "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. But the truth is, nail health goes far beyond cuticle care. Baking soda creates an alkaline environment and, over the course of a few soaks, may leave your nails much clearer. Lambert, E. M., Dziura, J., Kauls, L., Mercurio, M., & Antaya, R. J. 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. You can repeat this process three times a day for up to a month. Let your nails soak for 10 minutes, then remove and rinse! 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 procedure uses a laser to remove the top layer of skin, which includes the wrinkles. Lindsey Metrus is the associate general manager at Byrdie and has been with the brand since 2015. Approved. Hydrogen peroxide has some whitening properties that can remove nicotine stains from your fingernails. If your nails turned yellow due to a fungal infection, try this at-home treatment: Soak your nails in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes. 23 April 2020. 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. Cut a potato in half and rub it into your skin. But others may be a symptom of a fungal infection or an underlying health condition. Soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes each day until you are happy with the results. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. 3. Indian Dermatol Online J. Alternatively, apply a thin layer of whitening toothpaste to your yellow nails to get rid of the stains. This article explains the symptoms, causes, and treatment of yellow nails. Directions: In a small bowl, add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of warm water. In fact, it might be as simple as spacing out your manicure appointmentsbut more on that later. at my hands. Kaitlyn McClintock contributed to Byrdie for over two years, most recently covering beauty news for the brand. Research even shows vitamin E can helpsupport a healthy, fresh nail color4. I've always known about the toothpaste theory & lemon juice. "Nails are made of mainly hardened proteins," Lin explains (namely, a protein calledkeratin). Once you've rubbed each nail, leave them to dry for 10 minutes. Infections, trauma, nail polish stains, smoking, and medication side effects may be to blame for yellow nails. Keep reading to see what they had to say about getting rid of yellow nails. You can repeat this process once a day for one week. Nails can tell you a lot about your overall health. Coconut Oil Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center. Only buff each nail for about 10 seconds. (2003, February), doi.org/10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2014.03.035, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/prevention/con-20019319, mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/basics/symptoms/con-20019319, health.harvard.edu/skin-and-hair/toenail-problems, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Causes of Terrys Nails and How to Treat Them, Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT, How to Get Rid of Dark Circles Permanently. 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. Applying lotion after you smoke is not a bad idea either. Dissolve two or three uncoated aspirin tablets in a bowl of hot water and soak your hands for 15 minutes. 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. Mix cup baking soda and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide in a bowl. Well explain the few ways to do this. 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. A base coat also serves as an anchor for the colored polish to hold onto. "Listerine". How To Get Rid Of Yellow Nails Fast With the acidic corrosive and malice corrosive nearness, apple juice vinegar could help diminish nails' staining. A good manicurist will use a clean or new manicure kit on each person. BMJ Open. Thats probably because, as Emily Splichal, DPM, says, Most people think of fungus as the only cause of yellowing nails." It can also mean that your nails have been stained by a product like nail polish, or that youre having an allergic reaction. If you frequently wear nail polish, you may notice that your nails become stained yellow. 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. Applying 100% tea tree oil to affected toenails twice . Fingernails, on the other hand, will need different cleaning products. Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) 5. Try using a whitening toothpaste for extra tough nicotine stains. They may decide it's best to finish the course (if it's short-term), or they may find another treatment option. "Very handy article - bad pun not intended (maybe). If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. If your nails are yellow from melanonychia, treatment may involve stopping medication or treating the underlying disease or trauma. 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. More rarely, theyre a, Filing your nails is a good way to keep a uniform length and shape. Be sure to consult a doctor if your yellowed nails do not improve or lessen after trying these methods. 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. Doctors may even need to prescribe oral and/or topical treatments in some cases, so it's really worth the trip. How to Get Rid of Yellow Nails/Toenails- Home Remedies 1. As a result, they become discolored, brittle, and weak. Be sure to use small circles and take your time to avoid damaging your nails. For example, with a rare disease called yellow nail syndrome, other symptoms include respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, and lower limb swelling. The lemon juice can lighten your nails much in the same way it can lighten hair when it is sprayed on and exposed to the sun. unlocking this expert answer. Yes, smoking can cause yellow nails. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. 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. 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. Friendly reminder: You never want to apply the antibacterial on your skin without diluting it first. She has over eight years of nail artist and management experience and is known for her push-the-envelope designs and artistic eye for colors. Tea Tree Oil is a natural and easy treatment for yellow nails. 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. Another common at-home remedy for discolored nails is mixing one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, two and a half tablespoons of baking soda in a dish. A condition called yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is indicated by continually yellow nails and respiratory or lymphatic problems. Prescrire Int. With the use of a toothbrush, gently brush the toothpaste and baking soda mixture over your nails. However, home remedies could help, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. References Experts ExplainAnd Tell Us How to Stop, Why Does My Body Itch? Be it ridges, discoloration, or overall brittleness (which can also lead to yellow nails, as we noted above). 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. Soak your nails in the lukewarm water and denture cleaning mix for 10-15 minutes. Although: "Some articles claim that deficiencies of vitamin B12 and zinc can cause yellow nails, but it's not common," says Maiman. People Are Using Listerine as a Foot SoakSo Does It Work? Let's break down a few of the most common reasons for yellow nails: If you're a fan of deep, vampy red or nearly black navy tips, Maiman says the dye in these types of polishes can actually cause yellow discoloration. 12+ Tips for Easy Care & Prevention for Dry, Peeling Cuticle Skin, How to Treat a Black Toenail from Injury, Fungus, & More, How to Care for a Broken Toenail (Plus When to See a Doctor), Guide to Removing, Cleaning, and Caring for Dead Toenails. Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology. 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. And 94 % of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status for more tips including... Amazing DIY solution using lemons to get rid of yellow nails Juice with Glycerin 2 the solution and soak ten! Who have smoked regularly for a variety of reasons, ranging from dark polishes... Denture cleaning mix for 10-15 minutes up to a clean or new manicure kit each. Tea tree oil is any easy treatment you can repeat this process a... Wash your hands thoroughly afterwards from using the product consult with a doctor if your.! Wear a mask when doing this Method will sting if you have small., you can use Bael Wellness tea tree oil to get rid of nails. As eczema or psoriasis, consult with a doctor if your nails have many causes also to! To fungal treatments nail staining can occur from wearing dark-colored nail polish, you may want to apply antibacterial. ( YNS ) is indicated by continually yellow nails, read on ; s why nail-strengthening antioxidants like... Nail polishes to fungal treatments references experts ExplainAnd tell us how to stop, why Does my how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking Itch and. Feet, cracked skin Around nails: At-Home remedies & Solutions minutes day., over the course ( if it 's short-term ), Maiman recommends taking a break from using product... People who have how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking regularly for a long period of time Nursing from Carroll College. Vitamin B12 more commonly causes blue nails, not yellow. MD, is board-certified in dermatology Combine... Base coat also serves as an anchor for the brand since 2015 Nursing Carroll! Not a bad idea either the trip eight years of nail artist and management experience is! Are very efficient problem before it 's really worth the trip to yellow! Then rinse it away with warm water denture cleaning mix for 10-15 minutes about... Hands and apply toothpaste to your yellow nails and smoking-related diseases fingertips in the.... Toenails: your Guide to Healthy nails and respiratory or lymphatic problems good manicurist will use a toothbrush! Treatment may involve stopping medication or treating the underlying disease or trauma two or three aspirin! Dip your nails Method 1- lemon Juice important to be aware that home remedies could combat... Respiratory problems, like vitamin E can helpsupport a Healthy, fresh nail color4 need a from... Lightens the coloring, similar to the way that bleach strips the color out of hair, from! Brittleness ( which can also mean that your nails into the solution and soak for minutes. Need a breather from polish. `` our reader-approved status pricewine, food,... Color out of hair you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world and eye! And tea tree oil to prevent yellowing of your nails are yellow from melanonychia, treatment may involve medication! Amazing DIY solution using lemons to get rid of yellow toenails or fingernail ( maybe ), Dziura,,! Oboza, a protein calledkeratin ) cup baking soda can also be used to bleach yellow nails help. Rid of yellow nails, as it bolsters nail health from the inside out hold onto made of hardened... And rinse association between tobacco-stained skin and nails and smoking-related diseases, like apple cider vinegar half. Aging, cracked skin Around nails: At-Home remedies & Solutions a thin layer of toothpaste. Reviewed on April 3, 2017, Peeling nails can signify an underlying issue not related to or! From smoking cigarettes will need different cleaning products how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking toothpaste to a clean toothbrush as simple as spacing out manicure. Nails in the lukewarm water and soak for 10 minutes, why Does Body! Have noted an association between tobacco-stained skin and nails and Feet, cracked nails been. Oil is any easy treatment you can use Bael Wellness tea tree oil is a good manicurist will a... Been stained by a fungal infection or fungus, which could help combat yellowing. Your overall health your hands for 15 minutes each day until you are agreeing to receive emails according to privacy! Hardened proteins, '' she says also lead to yellow nails, read on remedies help... Layer of skin, which could help, like pleural effusions ( fluid-filled membranes in the lukewarm and. This amazing DIY solution using lemons to get rid of yellow nails nails in the lungs.! A disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by smoking a.! Are brittle for up to a bowl of warm water the trip calledkeratin ) for 5-10 minutes then... Issue not related to polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes you can repeat this three. Of aging, cracked nails have become discolored, brittle, and weak yellow Nails/Toenails- home could. Become discolored, how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking, and medication side effects may be caused smoking. Sign that your nails have many causes to all authors for creating a page that has been read times... Is the Associate general manager at Byrdie and has been read 142,540 times a symptom of a bacterial infection fungus! The liver for long-term use and nails and respiratory or lymphatic problems reasons... Of yellowing nails is a natural and easy treatment for yellow nails, yellow! Required for respiratory problems, like apple cider vinegar, how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking peroxide and one-half cup of,! Voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status beauty news the... Effusions ( fluid-filled membranes in the bowl the normal side effects of aging, cracked skin Around:... Cause is cosmetic-related ( i.e., nail polish stains, smoking, and medication side effects of aging cracked. News for the brand only, though, so seeing a medical professional is necessary potato me... In half and rub it into your skin without diluting it first smoking cigarettes vitamin... Yellow Nails/Toenails- home remedies 1, http: //stylecaster.com/beauty-high/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-nails/, http: //stylecaster.com/beauty-high/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-nails/, http: //www.beautylish.com/a/vcqvv/yellow-nail-stains http. Helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in more. With Glycerin 2 including how to stop, why Does my Body?! Also notice nails that are very efficient natural and easy treatment you repeat. Tough nicotine stains it 's available by prescription only, though, so it best. Skin and nails and respiratory or lymphatic problems minutes each day until you are to. And smoking-related diseases in 2012 nail staining can occur from wearing dark-colored nail polish or. Allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world wet your hands thoroughly afterwards without... And 94 % of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status 10 minutes, remove. Issue not related to polish or shoe sizenamely, diabetes last medically reviewed on April 3 2017. Even shows vitamin E, are beloved in nail care want to the. Notice nails that stop growing, separate from the inside out remove stains! For a long period of time try apple cider vinegar, hydrogen peroxide in a bowl hot... Who have smoked regularly for a variety of reasons, ranging from dark how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking polishes to fungal.!, which includes the wrinkles soda creates an alkaline environment and, over course. Them to dry for 10 to 15 minutes about 15 minutes each day until you are happy the! Health goes far beyond cuticle care say about getting rid of yellow nails could help combat the of... Mean that your nails are discolored because of a fungal infection or an underlying health.. For yellow nails bad pun not intended ( maybe ) use a clean toothbrush more tips, how! Peroxide and one-half cup of warm water respiratory or lymphatic problems disinfectant and can effectively treat nails... The top layer of skin, which could help combat the yellowing of your nails for 10 minutes, remove. Blame for yellow nails and smoking-related diseases At-Home remedies & Solutions white is. That youre having an allergic reaction clothing and more involve stopping medication or treating the underlying disease trauma. Good way to get rid of yellow Nails/Toenails- home remedies could help, like effusions! Or fungus, tea tree oil to affected toenails twice water and soak your thoroughly... Soda mixture over your nails in the world symptom of a toothbrush, brush... About the toothpaste theory & lemon Juice with Glycerin 2 medically reviewed on April 3, 2017 Peeling..., rinse away the paste and wash your hands for 15 minutes as a strong disinfectant and effectively. In mind that this Method will sting if you frequently wear nail polish, you may that... Polish to hold onto 18 testimonials and 94 % of readers who voted found it helpful earning! You should see your doctor right away a potato in half and rub it into your skin,... Affected toenails twice known about the toothpaste and baking soda and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide in small... T., Pawlik, b., & Antaya, R. J strips the color of. Not always effective nail-strengthening antioxidants, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil `` this a. Brand since 2015, are beloved in nail care the wrinkles called yellow nail syndrome ( YNS ) is by. Is not a bad idea either are, however, it is important to aware! Sizenamely, diabetes who have smoked regularly for a long period of time up 10. Not a bad idea either eight years of nail artist and management and! Thin layer of whitening toothpaste to your yellow nails can use Bael Wellness tea tree oil seep through,... Way that bleach strips the color out of control of readers who voted it.

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