Whether it's due to a bad habit, a health issue, or simply age, many people find themselves dealing with this unsightly phenomenon. Discover the common causes of yellow nails and proven solutions to restore clear, healthy nails. Follow our tips to say goodbye to yellow nails and hello to beautiful hands!
Why Do Nails Turn Yellow?
Nails can turn yellow for various reasons: lifestyle habits, health issues, or even fungal infections.
Yellow Nails Due to Nail Polish
It's not uncommon to see yellow nails after removing polish, especially when using intense-colored nail polish. To avoid stained nails after applying colored polish, it is recommended to apply a base coat first. A base coat protects the nails, and it also smooths the nail surface for better color application.
Enriched with Tea Tree Oil, Biotin, and Silicon, Poderm’s Base Coat not only protects yellowed and damaged nails but also strengthens and nourishes them. Its breathable formula ensures optimal nail polish adhesion while also helping to remove polish easily. Since it allows for the penetration of Poderm Nail Serums, it actively helps treat damaged nails while serving as a protective layer. With the Base Coat Color Care, you provide a healthy environment for your nails, promoting their beauty and repair.
With this trick, you’ll achieve professional results and keep your nails spotless and in perfect condition!
Frequent Use of Fake Nails
Excessive use of fake nails, gel nails, tips, or semi-permanent polish can also affect the quality of your nails, leaving them yellow and more fragile. The chemicals used in these techniques can encourage yellowing and weaken the nails. If you’re fond of these techniques to enhance your nails, be sure to space out applications to keep your nails translucent and healthy.
Yellow Nails from Smoking
Certain habits, such as smoking, can also cause yellow and thick nails. Nicotine and tar found in cigarettes tend to yellow the tips of your fingers and nails. Washing your hands after smoking may help prevent yellow stains from tobacco.
Yellow Nails: Could It Be a Fungal Infection?
Yellow nails could also signal a fungal infection. If you are in doubt, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause of your yellow nails and apply the most appropriate treatment.
A nail fungus, or onychomycosis, typically causes a yellow nail or a yellow patch that gradually spreads across the nail. In the case of a fungal infection, the nail may become thick, lift, split, crumble, or easily break. The infection is caused by microscopic fungi that live under the nail, so it’s crucial to apply antifungal treatments to restore healthy nails.
Poderm's Nail Fungus Serum offers a targeted, powerful solution to combat fungal nail conditions. Its unique formula works through a mechanical action, creating a protective lipid film that not only eliminates fungi but also encourages natural nail renewal. It is specifically designed to reinforce the nail's barrier function, restore its natural immunity, and eliminate the parasitic fungi responsible for yellow, thick, or detached nails. This local treatment is effective in treating onychomycosis and preventing its spread to other nails.
For more information on identifying and treating nail fungus, read our dedicated article.
What Conditions Can Cause Yellow Nails?
Yellow nails can also be the result of specific conditions like:
- Subungual psoriasis
- Diabetes
- Thyroid-related issues
Yellow Nails and Chemotherapy
Yellow nails may also appear as a side effect of certain cancer treatments.
Yellow Nails, Striated Nails, and Cancer:
Our laboratory recommends Poderm's Serum for Fragile Nails. This serum provides a treatment for fragile nails, acting as a hardener and complete protector. Its formula, rich in silicon, vitamin B12, and castor oil, deeply penetrates the nail and surrounding skin, strengthening, protecting, and repairing damaged nails and delicate skin. It prevents nail loss and reduces the appearance of discoloration while combating striated nails.
Organic silicon, whose effectiveness has been demonstrated in cancer studies, including in chemotherapy patients, provides notable benefits in nail care, reinforcing its reputation as a potent therapeutic ingredient.
Yellow Nails and Psoriasis
Nail psoriasis, often accompanied by yellowing, is a delicate condition that can affect both the appearance and health of the nails. This dermatological condition typically causes thickened, discolored nails, and sometimes nails that lift. Yellow nails can also indicate a fungal infection, which may worsen or coexist with psoriasis.
A holistic approach, combining topical care, medication, and sometimes dietary changes, is often recommended to alleviate symptoms and restore nail vitality.
How to Treat Yellow Nails?
As we’ve seen, yellow nails aren’t necessarily the result of a fungal infection. However, there are solutions available to restore beautiful, translucent nails in perfect condition. At Poderm, we have specifically developed the Poderm Serum for Yellow and Damaged Nails, which helps clarify, repair, and smooth the damaged nail.
Formulated with plant and essential oils, this serum treatment helps renew the natural nail barrier, reduce discoloration, and ensure healthy nail growth. It improves the visual appearance of the nail from the first application, smoothing and nourishing the nail. It is recommended for the whole family and suitable for all nails, hands, and feet from 3 years old.
How to Remove Yellow from Nails Using Home Remedies?
If you’d like to remedy yellow nails with home remedies and wonder how to whiten yellowed nails, here are a few tips. However, be aware that the effectiveness of these home remedies hasn’t been scientifically proven. If in doubt, consult your podiatrist or doctor to apply the appropriate treatment.
Lemon to Clean Yellow Nails
Lemon has detoxifying, purifying, and cleaning properties, making it a good option for whitening your nails. To do so, cut a lemon in half and rub your nails directly on the inside.
Baking Soda: A Natural Remedy for Yellow Nails
Baking soda is another well-known home remedy for whitening and clarifying nails. Take a toothbrush, wet it, and apply a bit of baking soda on it. Gently rub your nails with this mixture and rinse with clear water.
Hydrogen Peroxide to Whiten Nails
Hydrogen peroxide is another solution for yellow nails due to its oxidizing properties. However, be cautious and choose a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide to avoid any risk of burns. Apply a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to a cotton ball and apply it directly to the yellow nail. Monitor your nails’ hydration while using this method!
Apple Cider Vinegar: The Ally of Beautiful Nails
Apple cider vinegar can help reduce nail discoloration. Thanks to the malic acid and acetic acid it contains, this vinegar can help restore your nails' beauty. In a basin, mix one dose of apple cider vinegar with one dose of warm water and soak your fingers or toes for 20 minutes. Then rinse with clear water and dry.
You are now equipped with all the knowledge needed to combat the little inconvenience of yellow nails. Whether through specialized products like Poderm's Yellow and Damaged Nail Serum, or with home remedies, you now have all the tools to restore nails worthy of the finest manicure salons.
Remember, patience is your best ally in this beauty quest. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your nails won’t regain their shine overnight.
