Whether you're working, eating or shaking hands - your hands are free to view and visible to everyone. Admittedly, yellow nails don't look particularly pretty and don't make a well-groomed impression. The picture of healthy hands is completely different - the nails are characterized by a transparent, milky appearance, have a white edge at the end of the fingertip and are free of bumps and grooves. In the following article you will find out what causes this discoloration and how you can best avoid it!
Yellow nails – what are the possible causes?
Nails can tell you a lot about your overall health. This can be caused by many things - from something as simple as a nail polish dye to more serious health conditions. The discoloration can be more or less pronounced and can only affect individual parts of the nail. This is particularly clear on the white upper edge and the color can range from light yellow to light brown, depending on the cause. They often become brittle at the same time, no longer grow long and splinter very easily, even at the bottom edge close to the finger.
Caused by a fungal infection
The condition is often due to a fungal infection. Pretty unpleasant, yes, but such infections can easily creep into your fingernails - especially if you visit a nail salon with unsanitary conditions. If this is not treated in a timely manner, the nail bed can contract and the nail becomes thicker, crumbly and brittle. It then detaches from the nail plate and the nail is lost. A fungal infection is also characterized by a peculiar and unpleasant odor.
Through nail polish
Yes, your beloved nail polish could also be to blame and unfortunately it is the most common oneCause of discoloration. The condition is based on a few triggering factors - how intense and dark the nail polish color is and also how long you wear it. It may be that your nail beds are very porous and absorb the dyes very easily. In this case, we recommend leaving the varnish on for a maximum of 2 weeks and perhaps it is best to choose slightly lighter colors.
Darker nail polishestend to react more chemically and leave deeper stains than the lighter ones. To minimize this danger, we recommend that you wear a base coat - this will not only protect your beautiful manicure, but also extend its life. But the good news is, if you give your hands a break, your yellow nails will grow out. Another possible cause is using acetone directly to remove nail polish. This reacts with the chemicals themselves and as a result this annoying discoloration occurs. That's why we recommend switching to an acetone-free nail polish remover.
Yellow nails from smoking
Whether the condition arose from external influences or there is an illness-related reason for it can usually be recognized very easily. Smoking is also an external influence. As if this doesn't come with a sufficient list of negative health effects and now this one too. Most of these discolorations are on the hand with which you hold the cigarette. The culprit is the nicotine from the vapor that the fingers are regularly exposed to. Unfortunately, because your fingertips are so close to the toxins and smoke, they tend to absorb them. The solution? Stop smoking.
Especially in the cold seasonsOranges and tangerinescan be found in almost every household. After peeling, the fingernails often no longer look so pretty. To prevent this “effect” and to stay clean, it is best to wear household gloves.
Disease-related causes
If even after your yellow nails grow out, or if about 2 weeks of treatment doesn't work, there may be something else going on in your body and you should see a doctor. Yellow discoloration is sometimes an indication of something more serious. If you have a vitamin or mineral deficiency, taking a daily multivitamin could solve this problem.
In some cases, yellow nails can be a symptom of liver or lung disease or what is known as “yellow nail syndrome.” This is a very rare disease that has similar symptoms to nail fungus. The nails thicken and harden, which is caused by a growth disorder. It is often accompanied by breathing and lymphatic problems or a loss of protein. If you suspect this disease, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Possible treatment
Bakuchiol for your skin - what's behind the miracle cure?
Do you want to stay completely natural with your facial care? Then you should know about the last beauty trend this year - Bakuchiol for your skin! The miracle cure is “natural retinol” – but does it really work? Everything you need to know and product recommendations can be found here!
- Baking powder –This is a very helpful product that can be found in every household. Fungal infections only grow in an environment where the pH is too high. Baking soda creates an alkaline environment and after just a few uses, your yellow nails will become much clearer. To do this, you should simply soak your hands or feet in hot water with 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda for about 15 minutes.
- Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda –Mix 3 tablespoons baking soda with 1 tablespoon peroxide in a bowl. The consistency should resemble a paste. Apply this to the entire fingernail using a cotton pad and rinse after 5 minutes. You should repeat this treatment every 3-4 weeks. Make sure to rinse your hands thoroughly and then moisturize with a hand cream.
- Soak your yellow nails in for 10-15 minutes dailylemon juiceuntil the discoloration has disappeared.
- A healthy doseVitamin Ehelps cells retain moisture and look healthier. This also affects your skin and hair. Whether taken orally or topically, vitamin E stimulates nail growth.
- Teebaumölis another simple and effective treatment you can try. Just mix 2-3 dropsTeebaumölwith olive or coconut oil and dab your yellow nails with it.
- If you are not sure whether your yellow nails are the result of bacteria or a fungal infection, then it isOreganoölideal as it has antimicrobial properties and treats both. Just like with tea tree oil treatment, you should mix it with a few drops of olive or coconut oil and dab your nails with it.
- Through a light and attentivepolishingget rid of the top layer and in this way remove your yellow nails. While this method may work, we do not recommend it as it may result in weaker nails.i
Tips for prevention
To prevent the condition, good hygiene is particularly necessary.
- You should trim your nails regularly and use a nail brush to brush away dirt underneath once or twice a week.
- Only use high-quality nail polishes that are not older than 6 months.
- Nail salons and spas can spread fungal infections and diseases through the use of dirty tools. A good manicurist uses a new or at least a clean manicure set for each client.
