These include: 6 Tetracyclines (an antibiotic used to treat acne and other bacterial infections) Quinolones (a type of antibiotic) Clofazimine (an antibiotic used to treat leprosy) Combivir (a medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV) This is important because if your yellow nails are due to fungus, you might need special treatment to completely get rid of it. You could blend some tepid water with apple juice vinegar. Along with the causes of dark. (One of the many reasons we recommend you toss the cigarettes!) Mia Rubie. This information can often direct the next steps, if any. Learn more here. Be sure to consult a doctor if your yellowed nails do not improve or lessen after trying these methods. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections. If you use this method and it irritates your skin, then rinse the bleach off of your skin right away. Apply an over-the-counter anti-fungal solution or cream to your nails, such as clotrimazole or undecylenic acid. Directions: In a small bowl, add half a cup of apple cider vinegar to half a cup of warm water. These include: Melanonychia is a condition that results in discoloration of the nails. This article broke down different solutions that were helpful.". Apply a gentle moisturizer to your hands and nails. This article was co-authored by Mia Rubie. Ahrari, F., Hasanzadeh N., Rajabi O., & Forouzannejad, Z. Support wikiHow by 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Lambert, E. M., Dziura, J., Kauls, L., Mercurio, M., & Antaya, R. J. 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. Similar to using tea tree oil for treatment, oregano oil should be mixed with a carrier oil before being applied topically to the affected nail or nails. As a result, they become discolored, brittle, and weak. Do this two to three times daily for several weeks. Smoking. "The more extensive the involvement, the more difficult the infection is to treat." 07 of 08. For example, if you're a smoker and your nails are tobacco-stained, you'll need to quit smoking. Try to get into the habit of washing your hands with soap and warm water right after you finish smoking. 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. Do the paste method twice a day for a couple of weeks. Lemon juice: Soaking your nails in lemon juice will get rid of those yellow stains. These include: Most of the time, nail discoloration resolves after you stop taking the medication. Yellow nail syndrome in three siblings: A randomized double-blind trial of topical vitamin E. Flores, F. C., de Lima, J. See your physician if home remedies arent helpful in eliminating discoloration. Try using a whitening toothpaste for extra tough nicotine stains. But what happens when you remove your polish to find that your once strong, bright, and shiny nails are turning a less-than-satisfactory shade of yellow? You need to allow the juice to set for bit loner, about 15 to 20 minutes before rinsing. Once you meet with a physician to properly diagnose the underlying cause of yellowing nails, you can then move on to remedying the problem. Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology. There are, however, other causes of, From infections to the normal side effects of aging, cracked nails have many causes. Alternatively, apply whitening toothpaste to your nails and let it sit for 10 minutes. Even a humble nail polish could be to blame for yellowed nailsand therefore should be applied only periodically. Yes, one way to free your fingers from yellow stain from nicotine is by using a dilute solution of water and bleach. If your nails are discolored because of a bacterial infection or fungus, tea tree oil is any easy treatment you can try. "Repetitive micro-trauma to the nail (hitting the toenail against the inside of the shoe) can cause the nail, over time, to become brittle and give the appearance of fungus," he says. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. Not only is it a cosmetic problem, but researchers have noted an association between tobacco-stained skin and nails and smoking-related diseases. More rarely, theyre a, Filing your nails is a good way to keep a uniform length and shape. Likewise, it has antifungal properties which are useful in treating any kind of nail disease that prompts staining. All rights reserved. Yellow nail syndrome is exactly what youd think a condition that causes nails to become discolored, ridged, and thick. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! References You can also just leave the paste on your toenails to absorb for a few minutes before you scrub. Mix the solution well and soak the nails for two minutes. Macura, A. For more tips, including how to use tea tree oil to get rid of yellow nails, read on! Rubbing your nails with lemon juice or whole lemon and rinsing them with water after 10-30 minutes can make a great way to get your nails into their usual color again! You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Do not use this method if you are sensitive to bleach. A case-control study. 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! 3. "The most common culprit is a dermatophyte known as Trichophyton rubrum," says Kosinski. In other words, don't keep your nails lacquered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A typical cause of yellow nails is using a dark shade of nail polish. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 930,159 times. Baking soda has strong antifungal effects. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply to the yellowing toenails. unlocking this expert answer. Be aware that no oral or topical antifungal is 100 percent effective and recurrence of nail fungus is common. Hydrogen peroxide, too, can help whiten yellow nails. If the cause is cosmetic-related (i.e., nail polish or self-tanner), Maiman recommends taking a break from using the product. Scrub your toenails with baking soda or toothpaste. To get rid of yellow nails, start by buffing them to sand off the top layer and expose the clean nail underneath. If you have a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, consult with a doctor before trying any of these remedies. However, home remedies could help, like apple cider vinegar and tea tree oil. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg\/aid1114329-v4-728px-Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"