Yellow Nails: Causes, Treatment, And Prevention
Do your nails have a yellow tint? Though you might be tempted to conceal the yellow tinge with nail lacquer, you shouldn't overlook the incredible importance of nail care. Discolored nails aren't just unsightly - they can also be a sign of infection or vitamin deficiencies.
Key Takeaways
- Numerous things can cause yellow nails, including dark nail polish, fungal or bacterial infections, or underlying health conditions.
- To remedy yellow nails, always wear a base coat nail polish and try taking a break from harsh chemicals and heavily dyed products.
- For yellow nails caused by fungal infections, try treating your nails with tea tree oil, oregano oil, or baking soda dissolved in hot water.
- A vitamin E treatment can encourage healthy nail growth and correct yellow nail syndrome.
- Practice proper nail care to prevent and treat yellow nails.
Keep reading to learn more about yellow nails & nail health.
See Related: A Beginner’s Guide To The Self-Care Wheel
Why Are My Nails Yellow?
There are many reasons why your nails have turned a dull yellow color. Some are more serious than others. We'll outline some of the main causes and later dive into the cures.
Nail Polish
The chemicals and ingredients in nail polish can lead to discoloration, especially when worn for prolonged periods of time. Darker shades of nail lacquer are more likely to cause yellow nails because of the rich dyes. These ingredients are necessary to keep the product fresh, smooth, and usable, though they can lead to discoloration and brittle nails.
Fungal Nail Infections
Fungal infections are one of the most common causes of yellow nails. Anyone can be affected by a fungal infection, though it's more common for individuals with a nail injury, poor circulation, or a weak immune system. This fungi breaks down the keratin, a protein, in your nails.
Melanonychia
Melanonychia is a medical condition that often leads to discolored nails. This can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections or other health issues like inflammatory disorders or systemic diseases.
Yellow Nail Syndrome
This rare disease is associated with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, though the exact cause is unknown.
Other Causes of Discolored Nails
Though these are the most likely culprits for your yellow-tinged nail beds, there are other potential reasons for your fingernail's unsightly discoloration:
- Nail trauma: Nail injuries can lead to nail splitting and discoloration when the layers of keratin start to separate.
- Nicotine use: The tar and nicotine in cigarettes can stain your skin and nails yellow.
- Vitamin deficiencies: Your nails require nutrients like zinc or vitamin B12 to stay healthy and strong.
- Age: As you age, your skin and nails may become more prone to breakage and discoloration.
Bonus: The 14 Coolest Summer Nails to Try in 2024
How Can I Get Rid of Yellow Nails?
To restore your natural nails, you need to identify the cause of the nail discoloration. Most likely, a fungal infection or heavily-dyed product is to blame. So, let's go over a few home remedies to erase that yellow tinge for good.
#1. Take a Break
If you regularly coat your nails with midnight black nail polish, it might be worth it to take a step back. If Halloween is around the corner, there are other ways to showcase your spooky spirit through nail art. Give your nails some well-deserved TLC with an at-home manicure!
To treat and prevent yellow nails, always follow proper nail care practices. To correct the pale yellow tinge, use our semi-sheer Concealing Base Coat before applying nail lacquer. This purple-tinted polish is ideal for concealing staining and discoloration. Plus, it's loaded with calcium to promote healthy nail growth.
To give your nails a break from dyes and chemicals, opt for lighter nail polish colors. This is your chance to perfect a French tip!
#2. Tea Tree Oil
If you have a fungal or bacterial infection, tea tree oil can nurse your nails back to health. Studies show that this easy at-home treatment can help stop common nail fungus strains from progressing.
Simply take a drop or two of tea tree oil and mix it with a carrier oil like olive oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.
#3. Baking Soda
Fungal infections can only grow in acidic environments.
Soak your toes or fingers in hot water mixed with baking soda to help remove nail discoloration. This slightly alkaline mixture will help prevent the fungus from spreading.
To help avoid toenail infections altogether, expose your feet to fresh air every so often, and always wear fresh socks.
#4. Oregano Oil
Studies show that oregano oil has antimicrobial properties that can be helpful when combatting bacteria and fungi. Just like with tea tree oil, be sure to mix a couple of drops of oregano oil with a carrier oil like jojoba oil or coconut oil.
#5. Vitamin E
Your skin, hair, and nails love vitamin E! This nutrient helps cells retain moisture and has been shown to be an effective treatment for yellow nail syndrome.
Because vitamin E promotes nail growth, it can combat the unwanted symptoms of yellow nail syndrome, which often include discoloration, fragility, and breakage.
#6. Hydrogen Peroxide
Studies show that when mixed with baking soda, hydrogen peroxide can whiten teeth. It's a common ingredient in whitening toothpaste, as well. Additionally, it has oxidizing abilities that make it a stain remover.
With all of this in mind, it's safe to say that hydrogen peroxide can be a suitable treatment for yellow nails. The dyes in nail polish seep into the nail enamel, which can leave permanent staining. However, hydrogen peroxide penetrates past this point to lighten the nail.
Mix some hydrogen peroxide with water water before soaking your nails. Add a touch of baking soda for a more effective treatment.
#7. Practice Proper Nail Care
Once your yellow nails are treated, it's important to prioritize prevention. If it happened once, it can happen again! The best way to prevent further instances of yellow discoloration is to practice proper nail care.
Nail hygiene doesn't need to be a massive time commitment. Here are a few ways to keep your nails happy and healthy:
- Use a base coat and top coat before and after applying nail polish.
- Apply a dab of vitamin E cuticle oil to your nails every day. (Hint: Snag a bottle of our Rousing Rose Essential Cuticle & Nail Oil!)
- Give your nails a day or two break between manicure sessions.
- Wear protective gloves when applying self-tanner or using other dye-heavy products.
- Keep nail clippers, nail files, and other equipment sanitary and clean.
- Always use a non-acetone nail polish remover, as acetone can lead to yellow stains.
Final Thoughts
Now that your natural nails are restored, it's time to indulge! With your fingertips free of yellow discoloration, you can let your imagination run wild and experiment with our dazzlingly designed nail stamping kits.
Keep Reading: 9+ Aura Nails That Are Defining The Trend
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