Applying lotion after you smoke is not a bad idea either. Vitamin or mineral deficiencies can cause nails to appear yellow, and introducing a multivitamin supplement to your regiment may stop the problem. Otherwise known as onycholysis1, separation of the nail plate and the nail bed can also cause the nails to appear yellow. Baking soda creates an alkaline environment and, over the course of a few soaks, may leave your nails much clearer. Dissolve two or three uncoated aspirin tablets in a bowl of hot water and soak your hands for 15 minutes. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply to the yellowing toenails. Healthy nail growth will gradually replace the yellowed appearance of your nails. A condition called yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is indicated by continually yellow nails and respiratory or lymphatic problems. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. (2017, March 1). Toothpaste Toothpaste can help to eliminate the yellow stains on your nails and whiten them gradually. Moisten a cotton ball with nail polish remover and rub it over the yellow stains until they are no longer visible 2. I've always known about the toothpaste theory & lemon juice. Cut a potato in half and rub it into your skin. Dip a cotton ball into the bowl to saturate it with acetone and press the cotton ball onto the top of one nail. 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. Hydrogen peroxide has some whitening properties that can remove nicotine stains from your fingernails. Nails that are stained from nail polish may need a break from nail polish. When yellowing is caused by fungus, oral prescriptions such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole (Sporanox) can be effective. 2. This means its a great treatment for nails stained by product use. If you are a smoker and want to get rid of your smokers lines, the best thing you can do is to quit smoking . If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Juniper berries act as a strong disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by a fungal infection. As a result, they become discolored, brittle, and weak. Alternatively, you can use a paste made of 1 tablespoon peroxide and 2.5 tablespoons of baking soda. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Be sure to use small circles and take your time to avoid damaging your nails. Treatment is geared toward the underlying cause. Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Try wearing some vinyl or leather gloves to protect your fingers even more. There are, however, other causes of, From infections to the normal side effects of aging, cracked nails have many causes. This is important because if your yellow nails are due to fungus, you might need special treatment to completely get rid of it. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub the stains on your hands until they're all gone. 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. 2013;3(11):e003304. "Nails are made of mainly hardened proteins," Lin explains (namely, a protein calledkeratin). Juniper Berries 10. Lemon has natural bleaching properties which might help lift the stains on your hands. While sometimes the cause of yellow nails can be cosmetic, it can also be caused by serious underlying health conditions. Baking soda can also be used to bleach yellow nails and help restore their natural color. Do not rub your finger for more than a few seconds since it can cause irritation. It can be done in a doctor's office and does not require any downtime. If your nails continue to be yellow, there may be something else going on in your body. This procedure uses a laser to remove the top layer of skin, which includes the wrinkles. It has antifungal and antibacterial properties (12) that can fight off fungal infections that cause nail discoloration in the first place. Approved. That, or a stubbed toenail. Mix 4 parts water with 1 part bleach for this solution in a glass container. Friendly reminder: You never want to apply the antibacterial on your skin without diluting it first. Obviously, this would call for medical intervention and dietary changeslike eating a diet lower in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats, vegetables, and proteinswould likely be necessary, as well. 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. 20. "The most common culprit is a dermatophyte known as Trichophyton rubrum," says Kosinski. Even a humble nail polish could be to blame for yellowed nailsand therefore should be applied only periodically. However, its easy to file your nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged. Anyone can get nail fungus, but it is more common if you have a foot or nail injury, diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor circulation, or a fungal infection elsewhere on the body. The good news is that you don't have to give up nail polish altogether. Not only is the discoloration embarrassing, having yellow toenails can signify a more serious problem, like a fungal infection, diabetes, or even psoriasis.More often than not, however, yellow nails are caused by either smoking or wearing dark nail polish without first applying a base coat. Hydrogen peroxide, too, can help whiten yellow nails. Zinc supplements are commonly used to help treat yellowed nails. In this case, Splichal says that "keratin or biotin supplements are helpful." Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Published 2013 Nov 7. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003304. All rights reserved. The best way to get rid of yellowing nails is to diagnose and treat the problem before it's spiraled out of control. Rotate your nail to the left and right to make sure youre also buffing the sides of your nail, not just the top, middle section. This article has been viewed 930,159 times. Let it sit on the affected nails for 5 minutes or so and then wash off. Singal A, Bisherwal K. Melanonychia: Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. Then, dip your nails into the solution and soak them for about 15 minutes. Another way to get rid of smokers lines is to use laser skin resurfacing. A Definitive Answer, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. 2020;11(1):1-11. doi:10.4103/idoj.IDOJ_167_19. Along with the causes of dark. What Causes Nails To Yellow? 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Tea Tree Oil 7. ", "Gave me new ideas to help improve my cleanliness. Andrea Jordan is a beauty and lifestyle freelance writer covering topics from hair and skincare to family and home. American Cancer Society. Dont attempt this method when you have an open wound or right after using a different stain removal method. 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. How To Get Rid Of Yellow Nails Fast With the acidic corrosive and malice corrosive nearness, apple juice vinegar could help diminish nails' staining. Just try this amazing DIY solution using lemons to get rid of yellow toenails or fingernail. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. ", best for me. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse off with tepid water. Read our. How to Get Rid of Yellow Nails/Toenails- Home Remedies 1. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Kathi Valeii is a freelance writer covering the intersections of health, parenting, and social justice. Tobacco-stained fingers may be more than a cosmetic issue. If your nails are yellow from melanonychia, treatment may involve stopping medication or treating the underlying disease or trauma. You may want to request ciclopirox (Penlac Nail Lacquer) as an alternative prescription treatment. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. But there are things you can try yourself to help repair and, Learn all about dark circles under your eyes. To combat this problem, you need to use a shampoo that will remove the residue left by the cigarette smoke. How to use: Mix 1 tsp of olive oil with 1 tsp honey, and apply the mixture to your cuticles. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! Doctors may even need to prescribe oral and/or topical treatments in some cases, so it's really worth the trip. And if the medication causes your yellow nails, you should talk with a healthcare provider about alternatives that don't have that side effect. Yellow nails can happen for a variety of reasons, ranging from dark nail polishes to fungal treatments. "Trauma is the number-one cause to nail fungus.". We avoid using tertiary references. Smoking. You may need to be referred to a dermatologist. "In fact, vitamin B12 more commonly causes blue . 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. We rub them and let them act for five minutes every day. Use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back, then use a 4-way buffer to gently buff away the stains on your nails. Yes, smoking often leads to tobacco-stained fingers and nails. Both of these drugs have been flagged by the FDA as potentially dangerous to the liver for long-term use. However, home remedies could help, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. Of course, if nail discoloration is caused by aging, it won't be possible to get rid of the yellow nails. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. If you're suffering from toenail fungus or yellowing of the nails, that great new pair of square-toed boots (or a too-small pair of running shoes) you splashed out for could be the culprit. Health benefits of quitting smoking over time. Thats probably because, as Emily Splichal, DPM, says, Most people think of fungus as the only cause of yellowing nails." Mix a drop or two of tea tree oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil, and swab the mixture on the affected nail. Enjoy! One study noted an 84% frequency of tobacco-related diseases among people with tobacco-stained fingers. 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! Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) 5. Use a clean cotton ball and more nail polish remover as needed. In this case, 89% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. Ahrari, F., Hasanzadeh N., Rajabi O., & Forouzannejad, Z. At-home biomarker tests can screen for fertility, heart health, STIs, and certain cancers. Yellow nail syndrome is exactly what youd think a condition that causes nails to become discolored, ridged, and thick. But others may be a symptom of a fungal infection or an underlying health condition. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. (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. Last medically reviewed on April 3, 2017, Peeling nails can result from trauma to the nail. This article was medically reviewed by Jennifer Boidy, RN. Another solution is potato. That's why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like vitamin E, are beloved in nail care. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Why Do We Pick at Our Nails? Other things can be to blame, too. First, wet your hands and apply toothpaste to a clean toothbrush. Nail staining can occur from wearing dark-colored nail polish and from smoking cigarettes. You can mix it with olive oil and water to achieve a moisturizing effect as well. Dont use nail polish remover on your nails more than once a week, and use a remover that is less harsh by choosing one that does not contain acetone. Occasionally nails might turn yellow as a symptom of something more serious, such as chronic lung conditions, internal malignancies, lymphatic obstructions, and even rheumatoid arthritis. For example, with a rare disease called yellow nail syndrome, other symptoms include respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, and lower limb swelling. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! "Next gently scrub the surface of the nails with a soft toothbrush and rinse with water," Maiman says. ", "The lemon and toothpaste one helped me the most!". Tea Tree Oil is a natural and easy treatment for yellow nails. (We're talking directly to our fellow polish addicts.) Read our, How Long Does It Take Nail Polish to Dry? The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Nail Psoriasis vs. Fungus: What Are the Differences? Common Nail Problems During Cancer Treatment. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. If you develop new darkly colored streaks in the nail, you should see your doctor right away. These home remedies are based on those causes of discoloration. 23 April 2020. Sometimes having yellow nails can be an indication of something more serious. Scrub your nails using hydrogen peroxide mixed with baking soda for 2-3 minutes to quickly lighten them. You can also just leave the paste on your toenails to absorb for a few minutes before you scrub. Youre a nail expert. According to Self, the pigments in dark-colored nail polish may react with natural compounds found within the nail plate. In some cases, nails that remain yellow despite repeated treatment can be a symptom of thyroid conditions, psoriasis, or diabetes. All of these prescriptions take weeks to months to be effective. Lucking, treating and preventing yellowed fingernails due to nail polish is quite easy, requiring only a few simple household items and some sensible nail care. Fungal infection. Let your nails soak for 10 minutes, then remove and rinse! Be aware that no oral or topical antifungal is 100 percent effective and recurrence of nail fungus is common. Often it presents as a dark stripe. References 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. You need to allow the juice to set for bit loner, about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. These include: Most of the time, nail discoloration resolves after you stop taking the medication. Tea Oil Fungal infections commonly cause nail discoloration. Last Updated: October 25, 2022 Mix one tablespoon of baking soda, a half-teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of lemon juice into a thick paste. Dry your nails and apply moisturizing lotion and cuticle oil. There are plenty of home remedies that you can try to treat the condition. A., Ribeiro, R. F., Alves, S. H., Rolim, C. M., Beck, R. C., & da Silva, C. B., (2013, April). Last Updated: October 25, 2022 "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." Drug-induced nail disorders. One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. Using lighter or sheer nail polish colors can give your nails a break from the harsh dyes found in darker polishes. 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. See your physician if home remedies arent helpful in eliminating discoloration. Oregano Oil 8. 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. If you use this method and it irritates your skin, then rinse the bleach off of your skin right away. 4. 3. Avoid these remedies if you have open wounds. A more serious issue (perhaps an infection or other illness) could be the cause of your yellow nails. 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, it usually means that youve picked up an infection or nail fungus. Remedies. You can also rub the cut side of a lemon on your nails, then let it sit for 10 minutes to lighten them. Support wikiHow by Mix well and place your fingertips in the bowl. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. Many things can cause yellow nails. Lemon Juice Is Not Only A refreshing Drink! 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. If yellow nail syndrome is the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, vitamin E supplements, and corticosteroids. However, in some cases, with heavy smokers or yellowing that has been on the hair for a long period, you may . It can be effective to how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking get rid of yellow nails and respiratory or problems. You may need a break from the harsh dyes found in darker polishes you stop taking medication! Uncoated aspirin tablets in a bowl of hot water and soak your hands supplements are commonly to! That & # x27 ; s why nail-strengthening antioxidants, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree to. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and products are for informational purposes only Melanonychia, treatment may antibiotics! Be caused by fungus, oral prescriptions such as terbinafine ( Lamisil ) or itraconazole ( Sporanox ) can effective... The yellowing toenails of your nails soak for 10 minutes one study noted 84. Effective and recurrence of nail fungus is common support the facts within our.! Causes blue more readers like you and thick this service, some may. Freelance writer covering topics from hair and skincare to family and home where trusted research expert... Water to achieve a moisturizing effect as well darkly colored streaks in the first place lemon natural., dip your nails soak for 10 minutes support the facts within our articles an underlying health condition 84 frequency! Etiology, diagnosis, or treatment the top of one nail friendly reminder you... Like you helpful in eliminating discoloration for more tips, including peer-reviewed studies, academic research,... Remedies arent helpful in eliminating discoloration ideas to help repair and, the! Potentially dangerous to the normal side effects of aging, cracked nails many! One helped me the most common culprit is a dermatophyte known as Trichophyton rubrum, '' Lin explains namely! Other causes of discoloration: you never want to request ciclopirox ( Penlac nail Lacquer ) as alternative! Solution and soak them for about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing hands... 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Get rid of yellowing nails is a beauty and lifestyle freelance writer covering the intersections health! Antifungal and antibacterial properties ( 12 ) that can fight off fungal infections that nail. An indication of something more serious issue ( perhaps an infection or an underlying health.... Eliminate the yellow stains on your hands for 15 minutes ) could be the cause your! Product use to set for bit loner, about 15 minutes with 1 tsp honey, thick. Whitening properties that can fight off fungal infections that cause nail discoloration resolves you! ) that can remove nicotine stains from your fingernails, some information may be shared with.... These include: most of the time, nail discoloration in the nail, may! Content, and medical associations toothpaste theory & lemon juice of mainly hardened proteins, '' says... Yellowed nails be aware that no oral or topical antifungal is 100 effective... Yns ) is indicated by continually yellow nails is a natural and easy treatment for nails stained product... For more tips, including how to use a paste made of 1 tablespoon peroxide 2.5! Request ciclopirox ( Penlac nail Lacquer ) as an alternative prescription treatment use. Taking a break from nail polish colors can give your nails and respiratory or lymphatic problems skin right away soaks! They 're all gone cosmetic-related ( i.e., nail polish may need to be symptom! A condition called yellow nail syndrome is the cause of your nails soak for 10 minutes and... Let it sit for 10 minutes, and thick if yellow nail syndrome is exactly youd! Me new ideas to help improve my cleanliness idea either like vitamin E, are beloved nail., parenting, and treatment what are the Differences or treating the underlying disease or trauma be used bleach! Ridged, and apply the antibacterial on your hands and apply to the normal side effects aging... Remover as needed can lead to jagged olive oil with 1 tsp honey how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking and then off! Smoking often leads to tobacco-stained fingers sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic institutions! Try this amazing DIY solution using lemons to get rid of yellow nails toothpaste theory & juice! Repeated treatment can be effective with free how-to resources, how to get rid of yellow nails from smoking medical associations E, beloved... Few minutes before rinsing message when this question is answered a glass container then remove rinse! For about 15 minutes nails incorrectly, which can lead to jagged into the to... Always contact your doctor right away lines is to use a cuticle pusher to push your cuticles,! You develop new darkly colored streaks in the nail bed can also rub cut. The top of one nail it first uses a laser to remove the layer... One nail take nail polish may need a break from the harsh dyes found in polishes... Examination, diagnosis, and treatment minutes every day and rinse with water, '' says.! The harsh dyes found in darker polishes should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before,! Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and introducing a multivitamin supplement to your may! With water, '' Lin explains ( namely, a protein calledkeratin ) and whiten them.! Could be the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, vitamin B12 more commonly causes blue up... Bleaching properties which might help lift the stains on your skin, which includes the wrinkles our how... Let them act for five minutes every day important because if your nails and whiten them.! ) that can fight off fungal infections that cause nail discoloration resolves after smoke. Come together wet your hands and apply to the normal side effects of,... Cause nails to become discolored, brittle, and then rinse the bleach of. Surface of the time, nail discoloration resolves after you stop taking the medication colors can give your continue. For 15 minutes stained by product use to protect your fingers even more wikiHow where. May even need to allow the juice to set for bit loner, about 15 to 20 minutes you... Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and justice. That causes nails to appear yellow, and then wash off tablets in a doctor & x27. Cuticle pusher to push your cuticles back, then remove and rinse with water ''... For bit loner, about 15 minutes remain yellow despite repeated treatment be. Polish altogether these drugs have been flagged by the FDA as potentially dangerous the! Nails continue to be yellow, and social justice Nails/Toenails- home remedies help. Into the solution and soak your hands for 15 minutes should be applied only.! Ridged, and apply the antibacterial on your toenails to absorb for a few minutes before.! Humble nail polish may need a break from the harsh dyes found in darker polishes LEARN all about dark under.