What causes yellow nails and how to resolve the problem?

The colour of your nails may tell you a lot about the health of your body. Are your nails looking a little on the yellow side? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience discolouration of their nails at some point in their lives. Yellow nails could indicate too much protein in your diet, liver issues, iron deficiency, or not enough Vitamin B-12. Luckily, there are several ways to deal with this issue. In this post, we’ll look at the causes of yellow nails and offer some guidance for dealing with the condition. Read on!

Top reasons why your nails are yellow

Let’s discuss the possible reasons for yellow nails in depth.

Fungal infection

One of the most common causes of yellow nails is a fungal infection. The fungus can cause your nails to become thick, brittle, and discoloured. In severe cases, the infection can even lead to nail loss. If you suspect a fungal infection, see a doctor for treatment.

Poor nutrition

If you’re not getting enough of the right nutrients, your nails may start to look yellow. A lack of Vitamin B-12, for example, can cause a yellow discolouration in the nails. Other nutrients essential for healthy nails include iron, zinc, and calcium. Ensure that you’re eating a balanced diet and getting all the nutrients your body needs.

Liver disease

Your liver helps remove toxins from your system, so if it’s not working properly, the toxins will eventually affect other parts of your body. Yellow nails can be an indication that there is a problem with your liver function. If you suspect that this may be the case, talk to your doctor. They can run tests to determine any underlying problems.

Yellow nail syndrome

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare condition that causes the nails to become thick, yellow, and slow-growing. The cause of the syndrome is unknown, but it is thought to be caused by a fungal infection, environmental toxins, or problems with the immune system. There is no cure for yellow nail syndrome, but there are treatments available that can improve symptoms.

Dehydration

If you’re not getting enough water, your body will start to dehydrate. This can cause the nails to become dry and brittle, leading to yellow discolouration. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water every day to stay hydrated.

Smoking

If you smoke, you’re more likely to experience discolouration of your nails. This is because smoking increases the amount of nicotine and tar in your body. Over time, this can cause the nails to turn yellow. If you’re a smoker and you notice that your nails are looking a little on the yellow side, try quitting. Your nails will return to normal once you stop.

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is another common cause of yellow nails. If you aren’t getting enough iron in your diet, your body won’t produce enough haemoglobin. Without proper haemoglobin levels, the blood cannot circulate through your body properly, and iron deficiency can develop. A lack of iron will cause nails to become very thin and brittle. This makes them more likely to turn yellow due to a fungal infection or illness.

Using self-tanners

If you’ve been using self-tanners, the discolouration of your nails may be due to the chemicals in the product. Some self-tanners contain a chemical called dihydroxyacetone (DHA). This chemical can cause the nails to turn yellow or orange. If you’re using a self-tanner, try changing brands or using them less frequently. You can also wear gloves to prevent it from affecting your hands when applying the product.

How to get rid of yellow nails

Improve your diet

To improve the appearance of your nails, you must eat a well-balanced diet. This will ensure that you’re getting all the essential nutrients for healthy nails. You should include vegetables and fruits in your meals as these contain important vitamins and minerals.

Take supplements

If you’re not getting all of the nutrients you need from your diet, you may want to consider taking supplements. This can help fill in the gaps and ensure that your body is getting what it needs. There are several different supplements available on the market designed to support healthy nails. However, it’s best to begin by consulting your doctor.

Use a nail whitener

If you’d rather not change your diet or take supplements, there are other options. You can buy special whitening agents to apply to your nails. This will help remove the yellow tinge and restore the natural colour of your nails. Keep in mind that this may not be as effective as improving your diet.

Use a natural remedy

Another option is to try various natural remedies such as apple cider vinegar or lemon juice. You can rub these juices on your nails and let them sit for ten minutes before rinsing them off. If you do this every day, it should help lighten the colour of your nails.

Use fungal ointments and treatment

If you think the discolouration of your nails is due to a fungal infection, you may want to use a treatment such as tea tree oil. This oil is known for its anti-fungal properties and can help to clear up an infection. Apply it to your nails twice a day for best results.

Drink plenty of water every day

Dehydration can cause the nails to become dry and brittle, leading to yellow discolouration. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water every day to stay hydrated.

Use a non-toxic, anti-fungal nail polish

If you have a fungal infection, using a non-toxic, anti-fungal nail polish can help clear it up. Look for a product that contains tea tree oil or another essential oil, as these are known to be effective against fungus. You can find these at your local health store.

Exfoliate the skin around your nails

Regularly exfoliating the skin around your nails can remove dead skin cells and help prevent the yellowing of the nail bed. This is especially important if you spend a lot of time with wet hands or use soap to wash your hands frequently.

Try a baking soda and coconut oil scrub

Baking soda is another great remedy for yellow nails. The baking soda will help remove any built-up dirt or oil from your nails, while the coconut oil will help moisturise them.

See a doctor

If you’re concerned about the health of your nails, it’s important to see a doctor. They can run tests to determine the cause of the discolouration and recommend treatment options. In some cases, yellow nails may signify a more serious problem, such as liver disease.

Signs your yellow nails need medical attention

While most of these remedies work effectively, you need to keep watch on your nails. If they keep deteriorating, you need to go to a doctor and have further tests. Here are some signs that your nails need medical attention.

If your nails are severely discoloured

If you’ve been dealing with yellow nails for a while and they seem to be progressively getting worse, make an appointment to see your doctor. Progression of the disease can indicate other health problems such as heart disease or diabetes. Your doctor will determine what is causing the discolouration and prescribe the correct treatment.

If you have a fungal infection

If you have a fungal infection, it will likely cause the nails to become thick, brittle, and discoloured. In some cases, the infection can also spread to the skin surrounding the nails. Severe fungal infections should be treated with proper medication, so it’s important to see a doctor if you think you may have one.

If your yellow nails are tender or painful

If your yellow nails are tender and/or cause you pain, you could be suffering from an infection that has spread beyond the nail bed. Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics in this case, so it’s important to seek medical assistance.

If your yellow nails are accompanied by a fever or other symptoms of illness

Yellow nails can be caused by many different health problems, not just fungal infections. If you notice any other symptoms along with the discolouration of the nails, it’s important to see your doctor right away.

Having yellow nails is not a pleasant experience. But before you resort to hiding your hands all the time, know that this symptom can be treated. Even better, in many cases, they are a sign of a perfectly manageable condition. However, if you notice that other symptoms accompany the yellowing, you need to consult your doctor quickly.