What Causes Yellow Nails and How to Prevent Them

Yellow nails are often caused by heavy cigarette using tobacco or overuse of nail polish. Fungal nail infections may in addition cause yellowing, while yellow nail syndrome is usually a rare medical cause.

Yellow Finger nails and Smoking

Probably the most popular cause of yellow fingernails is using tobacco. Over many years of major tobacco use, both the nails and also the skin of the fingertips can be stained yellow or yellowish-brown through the nicotine and tar in cigarette smoke.

The best way to remove these stains – and gain all kinds of other health benefits – is to avoid smoking. If quitting is not possible, staining might be reduced by placing the cigarette in a ashtray between puffs rather than holding it inside fingers.

Yellow Nails and Toenail Polish

Another common cause of yellow nails is prolonged using nail polish. Dark colours applied directly onto the nail are most likely to cause staining, though constant using any polish can give this nails a yellowish tinge. These problems is usually solved by applying a apparent base coat beneath dark toenail polish, and periodically leaving the nails unpainted to provide them a “breather”.

Removing Yellow Stains

Various home remedies are actually suggested for removing yellow stains through the nails; these include:

• soaking this nails in freshly squeezed orange juice
• soaking the nails with denture-cleaning solution (follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dissolving the tablet with water)
• using a nail whitener pad to conceal the stains
• having a nail buffer to erase this stains (never overdo buffing, while this thins and weakens this nail. )

Medical Causes associated with Yellow Nails

Although yellow nails are, in most cases, caused by smoking or nail polish, nail yellowing will also be a symptom of a health issue.

Fungal nail infection is the commonest of all nail diseases. Finger nails or, more commonly, toenails may be affected. Infected nails become thickened, yellow in colour and crumbly. Chlamydia usually starts at the tip and progresses downwards till the whole nail is affected. It is unlikely to clear up without treatment, so it is important to discover a doctor for treatment.

Oral medications prescribed by way of doctor are generally more successful than topical remedies, especially with advanced infections. Over-the-counter fungus treatments will also be available, though their effectiveness ranges. The following simple measures will help reduce the risk of catching a fungal nail infection.

• Avoid walking barefoot in public places areas.
• Change socks (preferably cotton) everyday.
• Do not share socks as well as shoes.
• Keep the feet clear and dry them thoroughly after washing, particularly between the toes.
• Wear protective gloves for dish-washing as well as other wet household tasks.
• Avoid using nail polish and artificial nails, which can trap moisture against the nail and encourage the growth of fungus.
• Ensure that manicure as well as pedicure tools are clean before use.

Yellow nail syndrome is usually a rare disorder in which lymphatic program and chest problems occur combined with thickened, yellow or yellowish-green nails. The nails may grow slowly and gradually and in severe cases can be separated from the nail your bed. A vitamin E ointment or dietary supplement may improve the appearance associated with affected nails.

Nail Colour as well as Health

The colour of the nails can reflect general health together with lifestyle and nail care practices. Anyone who is concerned about colour changes within their nails should consult their physician for advice.

Reference: http://www.healthy-fingernails.com