One common worry about nails is when they start to turn yellow, but nails can reveal a lot about our health. Many people have noticed the change but are unsure of how to handle it. It can be unsettling to notice this color shift, especially if you’re unsure of the cause.
There are several causes of yellow nails, ranging from innocuous behaviors to more serious medical disorders. The first step to returning your nails to their original color and maintaining their health is figuring out what the underlying cause is.
This post will discuss the typical causes of yellow nails and offer easy-to-implement fixes to help you get your nails back in shape. You’ll find the necessary guidance, regardless of whether it’s a quick fix or an indication to see a professional.
| Reason for Yellow Nails | What to Do |
| Frequent Use of Nail Polish | Give your nails a break from polish; use a base coat next time. |
| Smoking | Consider quitting smoking and use whitening treatments for nails. |
| Fungal Infection | Consult a doctor for antifungal treatment. |
| Poor Diet | Improve your diet with more vitamins and minerals, especially B vitamins and zinc. |
| Underlying Health Issues | See a healthcare professional to rule out serious conditions. |
- Yellow nails on hands: causes, symptoms, methods of elimination
- Fungal nail infection
- Injury to the nail plate
- Diseases of internal organs
- Exposure to chemicals
- Bad habits
- Consequences of an improperly done manicure
- Yellow nails after shellac: factors that provoke the problem
- Video on the topic
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Yellow nails on hands: causes, symptoms, methods of elimination
There are various external manifestations of yellowness on nails, such as yellowing of the nail plate, small yellow spots on the nails, and yellow spots under the nails on the hands and feet. Each of these manifestations has a unique cause, and each situation calls for a different course of action. Now, let’s get going.
Fungal nail infection
Fungus is the most disagreeable and difficult defect to manage. It is simple to identify: the nail plate usually thickens, loosens, and turns an ugly yellow. The color can range from pale yellow to nearly brown, contingent upon the extent of the damage and the kind of fungus. You most certainly have a fungus if the nail develops a yellow spot like in the picture.
Fungus-induced nail lesions in hands
Toenail infections are typically caused by fungi. Fungi can appear as a result of wearing tight shoes, going to public places (like baths or swimming pools), breaking hygiene regulations (like wearing someone else’s shoes or not maintaining personal hygiene), and all of these things.
Toenail fungal infection
Fingernails are less likely to develop fungus. It usually occurs as a result of improper manicure techniques (neglecting aseptic measures, breaking hygiene regulations), traumatized nail plates, and the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms into them.
The course of treatment entails applying antifungal ointments, such as "Exoderil" and "Mikosan." In more severe situations, you will need to take medications internally. Regardless, a dermatologist visit is required. In this instance, traditional treatment approaches are merely supplemental.
Injury to the nail plate
Startled? However, injuries can cause nails to truly turn yellow. The most frequent is injury brought on by wearing the wrong kind of shoes. This is the primary cause of women’s yellow toenails. Girls frequently select tight and uncomfortable shoes in their quest of style. Compression of the fingers and nails results from wearing them for extended periods of time each day. The result is that the nail thickens and becomes yellow-tinted as a defensive reaction. Furthermore, when treating the nails, a callused formation develops beneath the nail, which is extremely painful.
Nail plate alterations brought on by wearing tight shoes
An analogous image is visible on the fingernails. Any of the following can result in an injury to the nail plate: a bruise (in this case, even under the nail), a break in the nail in the opposite direction (where the tear is visible as a whitish-yellow spot). Many women report that following a poorly done manicure, a white-yellow spot appeared on the nail. Overtime, excessive filing can injure the nail plate repeatedly, resulting in the formation of a callus or hard, leathery formation beneath it. Frequently, the nail peels off, leaving gaps.
A callus that forms beneath the nail plate and peels
How do you handle these situations? If it has to do with your feet, learn how to choose appropriate footwear instead of chasing trends. Ultimately, it is even detrimental. If the issue has already arisen, take soda softening baths and watch for the damaged plate to heal.
Similar results apply to fingernails; the flaw won’t go away until the damaged area has fully grown back. Additionally, it is advised to take the same soda, chamomile, and sea salt baths to relieve the symptoms. Salt fortifies the nail plate, chamomile acts as a natural antiseptic, and soda helps soften the callus.
Diseases of internal organs
A liver or bile duct malfunction may be linked to yellow nails.
Additionally, experts differentiate "yellow nail syndrome." Usually, middle-aged men and women experience it. It is distinguished by finger edema and yellowing of the nails on the hands and feet. It is unknown what causes the illness. It is thought that a lymphatic system malfunction is most likely the cause of this.
Syndrome of yellow nails
There’s only one piece of advice to be given in this situation, and that is that you require a complete medical examination and prescription treatment. Because the yellow nails in this case are only a symptom of the underlying issue and can only be resolved by a full recovery.
The state of the nails frequently points to an internal organ or nervous system malfunction or failure. Every malfunction in the human body system leaves a unique impression on the nails. Speak with a specialist if you observe any significant changes in the way your nails look, such as swelling of the tissues surrounding the nails, adjustments to the volume and relief of the plate, etc. There may be hidden pathological changes in your body.
Exposure to chemicals
Working with chemicals and acids can cause yellow spots to appear on the hands’ nails. Nail discoloration can occur even with standard dishwashing equipment. As a result, establish a rule requiring that gloves be worn for any work involving household chemicals. Additionally, this will prevent premature aging of your hand skin.
When working in business, keep your hands safe.
Traditional medicine can help prevent the problem from getting worse. Use sea salt and lemon to make baths. Lemon’s acid will help lessen yellowness, and sea salt will add beneficial trace elements to the plates.
Bad habits
And there is only one habit: smoking. Many young women who smoke are shocked to learn that even though I only smoke with my right or left hand, why have my nails turned yellow on both hands? All that happens is that nicotine and resins enter the body and build up in various organs, starting with the nails.
In this instance, the only way to eliminate yellowness is to break the bad habit or at the very least cut back on your tobacco use.
Consequences of an improperly done manicure
It is worthwhile to focus on this explanation in greater detail as it may be the primary cause of yellow fingernails.
Nails turning yellow after applying gel polish
Some young women themselves have slightly creamy nails. This is because of the unique qualities of the body.
Yellow nails after shellac: factors that provoke the problem
The following are the primary causes of color changes:
- Applying color without a base coat. In this case, the pigment, especially dark varnishes, penetrates deep and stains the nail plate;
- Using low-quality varnishes. Cheap varnishes, even with a base (especially cheap ones), negatively affect the color of the nail plate.
- Frequent use of manicure removers. Aggressive substances contained in nail polish removers cause darkening of the plate, this is especially noticeable on the regrown parts of the nail.
- Excessive passion for health procedures for nails. Some young ladies, in order to strengthen the nail plate after using shellac, thoughtlessly "fertilize" it with iodine day after day. As a result, so much of it accumulates that you get a banal burn of the nail plate, from which the nail simply turns yellow.
One piece of advice applies to all of these situations: use premium shellac to solve your yellow nail problem.
While yellowing nails can be concerning, the first step in treating them is figuring out why they happen. Addressing the underlying cause is crucial, regardless of whether it’s because of lifestyle choices, nail polish, or medical conditions.
Discoloration can be avoided with careful product selection and routine nail care. Modest adjustments, such as cutting back on nail polish usage or replacing it with healthier options, can have a significant impact. The best course of action for people who are experiencing persistent yellowing is to speak with a healthcare professional.
You can keep your nails strong and healthy while restoring their natural beauty with the right care and attention. Making little changes now will guarantee that your nails are vibrant and well-maintained in the future.
Nail polish stains, fungus infections, or even health issues may be indicated by yellowing nails. Finding the cause is essential to taking action, whether it be internal health issues or environmental factors like smoking or poor hygiene. Once you’ve determined the cause, you can take action to get your nails back to their original hue by doing everything from basic at-home fixes to, if required, consulting a doctor.
