Table of Contents
Causes of yellow nails
Discoloration on the nail is mostly caused by deposits of color pigments in the nail plate. This is what happens when you frequently apply colored nail polish without using a base coat. The color can eat into the nail and is difficult to remove. Therefore: Use a base coat before the colored layer !
Smoking:
In addition to many health-damaging consequences, smoking also has a negative effect on our nails. The nicotine from cigarettes settles on teeth, fingers and fingernails over time. There is only one thing that can help: stop snogging!
Deficiency symptom:
Yellow fingernails can also be an indication of poor nutrition. A lack of vitamin E can promote such discolouration. Make sure you eat enough foods with vitamin E. This is contained, for example, in peppers, salmon, currants and nuts.
Nail fungus:
Discoloration of the nails also occurs in connection with nail fungus. Often the nails also become thicker and break at the tip particularly quickly. Anyone who observes these signs should quickly consult a dermatologist for special means that fight the fungus.
Diseases:
Rarely, diseases can also be behind yellowish discolored nails. For example, they can indicate liver disease or psoriasis. In case of suspicion, consult a doctor in any case.
Creams and medicines:
When shopping, make sure that there is no silver nitrate in hand creams, nail polish and care products. This chemical can turn nails yellow. The same applies to certain medications. If in doubt, it is best to ask your doctor!
Fruits and vegetables:
The red pigment beta-carotene in fruits and vegetables can yellow the skin and nails. This happens particularly often when peeling oranges, tangerines and carrots. But no need to worry: this discoloration disappears with more frequent hand washing.
Also interesting: This is what grooves in the nails reveal about our health >>
Yellow nails: This helps against discoloration
Luckily, we can easily use home remedies to combat harmless yellowing caused by external influences such as nail polish. We probably have most of them at home anyway! Get white nails again in no time with these tips.
Baking powder:
The bleaching effect of baking powder is already known to most people and is therefore often used to whiten teeth . It is not advisable to do this, as it can damage the sensitive tooth enamel. However, you can use a baking powder-water mix to temporarily counteract yellow discoloration on your fingernails or toenails.
Simply dissolve a bag of baking soda in warm water and soak your fingers or toes in it for about five minutes. Then gently work on the nails with a polishing file (no normal nail arrows – they are too coarse) and thus remove the discoloration.
Lemon juice:
A lemon juice bath also has a bleaching effect. Simply mix the juice of half a lemon in half a liter of water and soak your nails in it for about 5 minutes. Tip: If you treat your nails with lemon juice beforehand and let it soak in, you will achieve even more effective results. Moisturize the skin after the bath. A hand and nail care cream is ideal . Since the acidity of the lemon can sting, people with sore and dry skin should avoid this method.
Apple cider vinegar:
If you don’t have a lemon handy, you can also prepare a nail bath with apple cider vinegar and water. Fill a glass full with water and add three tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Then bathe your fingers or feet in this mixture, then gently remove the upper, discolored layer of the nail with a polishing file. Attention: Do not overdo it, this will destroy the nail. By the way, regular treatment with nail oil prevents brittleness and moisturizes the cuticles.
