When the lead musician of Coldplay, Chris Martin belted out “and they were all yellow,” he indeed didn’t refer to that yellow toenails that you have been developing for quite some time now. Just noticed it? Well, you must be thinking that this is the result of the missed salon date or some small fungus that has found its home in your toenails. But it is way more than that!

Not a sexy nail issue – albeit, a very important one, the causes of yellow nails can have both cosmetic origins as well as a hint towards some underlying medical issue. Hence, it is important to note the reason behind the yellowing of your toenails and respite that you can get.

Before going to the salon for your pedicure treatment, the next time just scrolls down the headings to get a better idea of this condition.

Why do I have yellow toenails?

The primary query that you have the very moment you see your toenails turning yellow. Wait! There’s no reason for you to rush to conclusions. Instead, it is essential that you clarify specific details associated with this yellowing that will ensure you a better understanding of this condition.

1. Fungal infection:

This is the most common reason for yellowing of toenails. Known as onychomycosis, nails can turn yellow, or even green and black! This is a major cause that is most often found in people who wear shoes for a long period and work in the moist environment. In this case, blood circulation is reduced, and other associated health issues as high pressure and obesity prevent the infection from curing.

The primary reason for this fungus to propagate is the presence of dermatophytes, which eat up the keratin that enhances nail growth. Hence, this gives fungi another reason to grow in that area.

2. Diabetes:

For the uninitiated, this is a significant cause of yellowing of toenails. Blood sugar levels within a body have a precise balance, which has to be maintained to ensure proper development of human body. However, imbalances in blood sugar cause glucose to attach itself to collagen proteins (structural tissues of nails), and this causes shades of the nail to get a yellowish tinge.

3. Lymphedema:

A major block in your lymphatic system is the result of this yellowing of toenails. Courtesy of this issue, lymphatic fluid does not drain properly and this further causes swelling of that area. Naturally, in comparison to other parts of the body, this area becomes extremely vulnerable to infections.

4. Genetic issue:

If neither of these is a reason for your yellow toenail, then you can blame it on the genetic Yellow Nail Syndrome. Due to this genetic condition, not only do nails turn yellowish but also have other problems as – loosening of nails, lacking a cuticle and detachment from the nail bed.

You can have additional issues as bleeding from your nails, changes in thickness or shape and any kind of discharge.

5. Aging:

This is a natural process, wherein you can notice that older adults have yellow nails, because both blood circulation and cell turnover are slow.

These are some of the primary reasons that result in you having a yellow toenail. But that in no way implies that you cannot care for them, or there is no way to make them better again. Before you jump to check out, as to which remedies would suit you the best, there are undoubtedly other reasons for those yellow tips, which you need to check out!

Why are my toenails yellow at the tips?

For some people, this is a significant issue! Also, sure people notice this change only in a shorter time span. So, why is your toenail tip not as white as before?

1. Liver failure issues
2. Kidney related problems
3. Certain respiratory conditions – chronic bronchitis or some allergy.

Now with these major health issues taking a toll on your body, you have to watch your diet and ensure that your body clock is functioning fairly. Also, specific homemade remedies are of great help!

Yellow fingernails: What are the primary reasons?

Those yellow fingernails ensure that you cannot leave your house minus the nail paint! Do you know that excessive usage of nail paint can also lead to getting yellow fingernails? That’s not the sole reason.

In case you wish to have detailed knowledge of reasons that result in your fingernails turning yellow, scroll down for more information.

1. Excessive smoking:

Due to excessive smoking, the nicotine content in cigarettes leads to yellowing of your fingernails. It is the presence of toxins that result in your nails getting a tint of yellow. Quit smoking now! Not just for improving the condition of your nails, but also general health.

2. Vitamin deficiency:

Either iron or zinc or any other major vitamin may be missing from your body. Lack of vitamins can result in your fingers turning yellow. Make sure that you check your diet well.

3. Thyroid related issues:

For all those people who have thyroid problems, yellow nails are the perfect accomplice. Get your thyroid checked thoroughly.

4. Psoriasis:

This is another primary reason behind yellowing of nails. In this case, there are patches all over the skin with continuous itching. This, though being an autoimmune issue is also associated with yellowing of nails and can cause bleeding of nails from capillaries, as well as crumbling of nails.

Hence, before you go in for treating your nails with certain homemade remedies, it is important that you figure out the reason for this yellowing of fingernail. A correct cause will help in finding the correct remedy!

Treating those yellow toenails for fungus:

Given that fungal infection is a significant reason for having a yellow toenail, it is crucial that you treat it well. Here are some common remedies that will help your toenails get back their standard color.

1. Using Tea Tree Oil:

To start off with your nail care regime, tea tree oil is a gem of a product. Being a natural disinfectant and having anti-bacterial qualities, they are just what you need to remove that yellow tint from your fingers.

Mix 1 teaspoon of tea tree oil with the same quantity of grape seed or olive oil. Soak a cotton ball and press it firmly on your nails for some time to remove the yellow tinge.

2. Baking Soda:

The best part of baking soda is that it is fungistatic, thereby preventing the fungus from growing and spreading. So, mix 3-4 teaspoon of baking soda with apple cider vinegar and water. Dip your feet into this solution and let it stay for 15 minutes. After that towel dry your nails. Repeat this twice a day for a month, and you will see results for yourself.

3. Vinegar:

This is the ultimate way to ensure that you have fungi stop it’s spreading at a particular location. Being mildly acidic, both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar can help you remove that yellow tinge from your nails. Mix equal quantities of apple cider vinegar or white vinegar with water and soak your feet in it for 30 minutes.

You can also make an exfoliating scrub of rice flour and vinegar and apply this paste on affected area. After some time, scrub off this paste. Do it for a month to notice significant changes.

Make sure while using white vinegar, you mix it with warm water.

4. Oregano oil:

Though new in the block, this is one of the best remedies for providing the shine back to your toenails. Having multiple qualities as antiseptic, antibacterial, analgesic and antifungal, you can mix two teaspoons of oregano oil with olive oil and apply this on the affected area. Keep it on for 30 minutes and after that wash off your feet. Continue this for three weeks, two times daily to get positive results.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtAYyulvwYs

A detailed following of these remedial tips will help your nails shine brightly.

Treating the yellow toenail in the best manner

1. How to rid those stained nails?

Some remedies will help you get rid of stained nails. So, rather than visiting the spa, you can try out these remedies at your home!

• Using lemon:

Being extremely acidic, lemon juice works wonders for your nails. Slice the lemon and use them to scrub your nails for close to 60 seconds directly. You can also, squeeze the entire lemon and use a cotton ball to dab each of your fingers. After you are done with the dabbing, let your fingers soak in this lemon juice for 10-30 minutes, before you rinse off your hand. Just use some coconut oil on your nails as a protective coating.

• Using hydrogen peroxide:

Water: Hydrogen Peroxide = 1:3 = Your key to stain-free nails! Mix up water with hydrogen peroxide and water and dip a brush and rub each of your nails. If that’s not enough, you can also put your hand in that solution for close to 10 minutes, until the stain is completely gone.

• Using denture cleaning tablets:

Take 2-4 denture tablets in water and soak your fingers in it for 10-15 minutes. Dry your nails and rub some moisturizer on them. This procedure has to be repeated twice a week for two months.

• Other fruits:

Do you think that lemon is the only fruit that will help in removing your stain? Not really! There are options for oranges and juniper berries that will help get back your nails their original color. Scrub the orange peel and rub it two or three times. In case of berries, crush them and mix them in warm water. Repeat them once on a daily basis for removing the stains.

If you are in a rush, use nail whitening pencil to mark the borders well!

2. How to get rid of yellow nails stained with nail paint

If you cannot do away with those nail paints, then getting yellow toenail or fingernails is a common outcome. But does that mean, you will never be able to wear a nail coat? Well, not really! To ensure that your nail paint does not result in your nails getting a dark look, it is essential that you use some hacks!

• Make sure that you never apply nail polish minus the nail coat.
• Try to use nail paints of lighter color.
• Use quality nail polish remover to ensure complete removal of dark color.
• After you are done with removing the color from your nails, dab your nails with lemon water for 30-60 seconds.
• After that, squeeze some toothpaste and scrub your nails. Wait for 1-2 minutes before washing it off. Finally, apply some coconut oil to your nails.

This process will instantly help your nails get back the color.

3. Rid those yellow toenails with Vicks

For your information, the old Vicks VapoRub that has helped you deal with your cold issues can also help you deal with that yellow toenail. To ensure that you have the perfect cure for it, follow these steps.

1. Wash your feet in warm water and clean out your nails. After that towel dry your feet.
2. Take a dab of Vicks and rub them deeply into the cracks.
3. It is best that while sleeping, you put a thick cloth covering in that area to ensure that the coating remains.
4. Continue this process regularly for a period of 10 days to 6 weeks, and you will notice a marked change in your feet.

With a combination of eucalyptus oil, menthol, and camphor, Vicks VapoRub is a unique surprise to remove that fungal infection from your nails and get them back in a healthy state.

So the next time you see your toenails turning yellow, there’s no need to panic. Just get yourself medically tested and rather than rushing to the salon try out these homemade remedies to remove that yellow toenails.

How about using just a nail coat without the fear of yellow or black toenail for the next party?