Yellow Nails: Causes And Treatment

Having yellow nails is usually primarily a cause of aesthetic concern, especially among women, and especially when it affects the fingernails .

However, the yellowish tone is not only important for the aesthetic effect it entails.

Yellow nails can be a symptom of bad habits, a vitamin deficiency, fungal infections, or even other, more serious health problems.

Knowing the most common causes of nail color changes is important for preventing and detecting potential diseases.

Why do nails turn yellow?

Yellow nails can appear for a variety of reasons. The most common causes include:

Nail polishes

Yellow nails from polish are a common side effect of manicures and pedicures.  

This is because nail polishes or hardeners can contain substances that react with the keratin in the nails, leaving yellowish stains.

Having yellow nails from polish is one of the main risks of permanent manicures.

The yellowish color also tends to intensify if dark-toned nail polish is used.

There is also a greater chance of yellowing nails due to nail polish when the nail polish is used continuously, without allowing the nails to “breathe.”

In addition to the color change, they may appear rough, brittle, and dull.

Fungal infections

Nail fungus can cause nails to turn yellow.

This infection, also known as onychomycosis , is more common in the feet and is due to the fact that these microorganisms spread through the keratin of the nails.

As a result, yellowish or whitish areas may appear, and these become thicker and aesthetically unpleasant.

Toenail fungus can also cause nails to peel and fall off.

This type of fungal infection is one of the most common pool infections, especially among children who walk barefoot on the floor.

Another way to get nail fungus is by sharing manicure items or products.

Continued use of nail polish and fungus are the main causes of yellow nails.

Traumas

A blow or abrasion during sports can also cause a change in nail color.

In these cases, it is more common to have a yellow nail on the big toe, since this is where the most friction occurs with the shoe.

For this reason, it is important to always wear comfortable footwear appropriate for each activity.

This type of chafing can also cause the nails to fall out.

In this case, the only repercussion is aesthetic, and the yellow toenails disappear on their own when you change footwear or stop the activity that caused them.

Having a yellow big toenail is common among long-distance runners, soccer players, and dancers.

Vitamin deficiency

A lack of B vitamins can be a cause of yellow nails, specifically biotin or B7.

These vitamins are also essential for preventing hair loss in general, as well as for certain types of diffuse alopecia .

Thus, the best foods for hair loss will also be beneficial for strengthening nails and preventing them from losing their natural color.

At the same time, you should follow a diet rich in protein, as this is essential for forming hair, nails, and skin tissue.

Both excess and lack of vitamin A can also be related to the appearance of yellow nails.

Iron, calcium, or zinc deficiency is another cause that can affect their color and make them appear more fragile and brittle.

Aging

As the years go by, nails can become more yellowish.

This is a natural process of aging and is not a symptom of any health problem.

Tobacco

Contact with nicotine and tobacco tar can cause fingers and nails to turn yellow. 

Psoriasis

Nail psoriasis can manifest with changes in shape, texture, and color.

In this sense, it is common to have yellow nails in cases of psoriasis on the scalp and/or skin.  

This color change often leads to the lesions being confused with nail fungus.

When this happens, people tend to self-medicate, and the problem usually gets worse. 

Skin diseases

Beyond psoriasis, other skin diseases can cause split, rough, dull nails to appear with a grayish-yellowish color.

These include lichen planus, alopecia areata, and atopic dermatitis.

Systemic diseases

Liver problems, such as liver inflammation, can have yellow nails as a symptom.

This is because when bile pigments increase in the body, they can cause the eyes and nails to acquire a more yellowish hue.

In that sense, there may be a relationship between yellow nails and the liver.

Diabetes and thyroid disorders can also cause this color change.

Yellow nail syndrome

Yellow nail syndrome is a disorder characterized by yellow nails with no cuticle, slow growth, and looseness (onycholysis).

It is a rare syndrome and is usually related to lung disorders, such as chronic bronchitis , and swelling of the hands, arms, feet and legs ( lymphedema ).

Cancer

Although it is a much less common cause, yellow nails and cancer may be related.

Cancer treatments can also cause this color change. 

How to remove yellow from nails?

To remove yellow from your nails, the first step is to determine the cause of the color change.

Thus, if a clear cause cannot be established (for example, a blow, a scratch, or continued use of nail polish), you should see a specialist. This is also true if the nails do not return to their natural color after quitting the offending habit.

It’s worth remembering that in approximately half of the cases, yellow nails are caused by fungus, and these infections need to be treated to prevent complications.

Additionally, there may be other health reasons that cause this color change. 

What you can do in all cases is follow the main tips for strengthening your nails, as they will help them stay healthy and maintain their original color.

• Do not use nail polish continuously. To remove yellowing from your nails caused by polish, you need to take breaks and let your nails “breathe.”
• Using a protective base before applying polish helps prevent yellowing of the nails.
• Use nail polishes and manicure products formulated without aggressive substances.
• Limit dark nail polishes or use a sunscreen. The pigmentation of these polishes can cause yellowing of the nails.
• Use acetone-free, nail-friendly nail polish removers.
• Applying nourishing oils, revitalizing products, and nail creams can help improve your nails’ appearance.
• Keep your nails clean and dry to prevent fungal yellow nails.
• Don’t bite your nails.
• Do not remove the cuticle when doing a manicure or pedicure.
• Avoid bumps and rubbing of your toes against your shoes when playing sports.
• Wear appropriate footwear adapted to each activity.
• No smoking.
• Follow a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of protein and B vitamins.
• Taking a hair and nail vitamin supplement can be beneficial in some cases. Beyond biotin, zinc, L-cystine, vitamin D, and iron play key roles in hair and nail health and appearance.
• Be careful with home remedies. Applying hydrogen peroxide is one measure used to remove yellow nails. However, you should always consult a specialist.