Nail can tell you many things about our health by discoloring. Occasionally the nails may turn yellow as a symptom indicating some problem in your body or any infection has taken place. In this article we have discussed some points that may help you to know how they are caused, treatment and prevention.
Cause of Yellow Nails
1. Tar and Nicotine: If you are a smoker then having yellow nails is unavoidable. Smoking will burn tan and make your fingers discolor. This may not be harmful but bothers you.
2. Fungal Infection: The fungal infection can cause in nails and toes as the fungus infection goes deep inside the nails and appear as yellow or white spots and discolor your nails the edges become thick and crumble.
3. Coloring Nails: Wearing dark color nail polishes for a long period of time can cause nail discoloration. This is not caused by fungal infection so need not to be worried, it can be cured by simple treatments.
4. Yellow Nail Syndrome: Yellow nail syndrome is caused by pleural effusion (which has fluid in tissues around lungs) and lymphedema(fluids holding in the body). These two syndromes are very rare and are very dangerous . must be treated with professionals only.
5. Other Health Problems: It may be very rare that having health problems and infections in your lungs, liver and heart will indicate on nails. If it is seen then it may be dangerous and you need to see a doctor for the treatment.
Home Remedies for Yellow Nails
1. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Hydrogen peroxide contains oxidizing abilities which helps to remove stains. Hydrogen peroxide penetrates deep into the nails and lightens the color of your nail. Baking soda contains alkaline which maintains the pH level and removes the fungus and cleanse them.
Process:
- 1 tbsp of hydrogen peroxide
- 3 tbsp of baking soda
- Wix well and apply with cotton swab
- Leave for 3 min
- Rinse properly and apply moisture to your nails.
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2. Oregano oil
Oregano oil contains antimicrobial properties which fight against bacteria and fungi. This oregano oil helps in treating yellow nails. It is proven that it is one of the best treatments for yellow nails.
Process:
- Take 2 tsp of oregano oil
- Add 3 tbsp of carrier oil
- Mix well and apply it on your nails
- Wait for 3 to 4 min and wash it properly.
3. Tea Tree oil
Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antifungal properties which help for treatment of yellow nails. Tea tree oil can be mixed with any carrier oil such as olive oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil can be more effective.
Process:
- Take 2 drops of tea tree oil
- Add 12 drops of carrier oil
- Mix these two ingredients in a bowl
- And soak your nails for 20 min and wash it off.
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon contains acetic properties which help to dissolve the stains in the nails. Lemon juice is used for the treatment of yellow nails which will remove the stains after soaking the nails in lemon juice.
Process:
- Squeeze out a fresh lemon juice in a bowl
- Soak your nails in lemon juice for 10 to 15 min
- After that, wash your nails and apply moisturizer.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid compounds and antifungal ingredients that help whitening the discolored nails while balancing its PH levels.
Process:
- ½ cup of lukewarm water in a shallow bowl
- ½ cup of apple cider vinegar
- Mix well and soak your nails for 20 min
- Wash your nails after 20 min.
Prevention Tips for Yellow Nails
- Avoid dark color nail polish
- Quit smoking
- Wear a clear base coat
Yellow nails are common in most of the cases, there are also so many home remedies which can be cured at home with simple home remedies but, in some cases it may be a big problem that cannot be cured at home you need to see a doctor for treatment. So the problem may be big or small you should not ignore.
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- How to Use Coconut Oil for Nails
- How to Clean your Fingernails The Right Way
- Why Does My Gel Polish Peel Off?
- 7 Best Red Nail Polishes For Fair Skin
