Causes of yellowing nails and how to treat them
Sometimes it is possible to notice a change in the color of the nails to yellow, but what are the causes of yellow nails? And how can it be treated?
The causes of yellowing of the nails are many and varied, some of them are mild and others are serious and may indicate the presence of a health problem. Learn with us about these causes and methods of treatment and prevention as follows:
Causes of yellowing nails
Here is a group of the most prominent causes of yellowing nails:
1. Nail polish
Have you noticed yellow nails after using a certain type of nail polish? And have you noticed that excessive and continuous use of nail polish would turn the color of the nails yellow?
There are certain colors of nail polish that may cause it to turn yellow, not only that, but the continuous use of nail polish would cause this.
The strange thing is that some types of nail removers can also cause yellowing of the nails, and it is worth noting that these things are among the most common causes of yellowing nails, but they do not cause any danger or health problem.
2. A fungal infection
Fungal infection is one of the causes of yellow nails, and it is usually more common on the toenails than on the hands.
Yellow nail color can become more common if you wear narrow shoes for a long time, as this injury is also linked to the problem of athlete's foot .
A fungal nail infection can cause the nail to thicken, become deformed, and turn yellow.
3. Onycholysis
The fall of the nail is a problem that affects the nails, and it means that the nail is separated from its place, which causes its color to turn yellow, as a result of exposure to air.
There are many reasons that may lead to this situation, including the following:
- Injury to the nail.
- psoriasis
- Side effect of taking certain types of medicines.
4. Psoriasis
Often, yellowing of the nails is caused by psoriasis .
In this case, it is possible to notice an increase in the thickness of the nails in addition to the appearance of holes in them.
5. Yellow nail syndrome
Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disease that causes the nails on both feet and hands to turn yellow, with various symptoms, such as:
- Respiratory problems.
- swollen feet
6. Thyroid problems
There are many reasons that may lead to the color of the nails turning yellow, including those that affect the thyroid gland.
Yellowing of the nails is common in the case of hypothyroidism , and this problem may cause nail thickness, poor growth, and thinning.
7. Diabetes
Diabetes is associated with many complications, including those that affect the nails, and thus may cause an increase in their thickness, yellowness and weakness.
8. Liver problems
In some cases, yellowing of the nails is caused by a problem with the liver. For example, jaundice causes yellowing of the skin along with the nails sometimes.
Treating the problem of yellowing nails
It is important to determine the causes of nail yellowing, as the methods of treating the problem of yellowing nails depend on the underlying cause, and in general they include the following:
- Not using nail polish for at least a week.
- Use a topical treatment if the yellowing of the nails is caused by a fungal infection, after consulting a doctor.
- Treatment and control of the main cause, such as: psoriasis or diabetes and others.
- Apply tea tree oil to the affected nails.
- Put the infected nail in hot water with baking soda.
- Apply vinegar to the infected nail.
- Focus on including vitamin E sources in your diet.
Ways to prevent yellowing of the nails
It is possible to follow some methods that may help you reduce the risk of nail color turning yellow, which include the following:
- Washing and cleaning feet with soap and water regularly.
- Always dry the toenails well.
- Use clean, sterilized nail clippers.
- Wear shoes that fit your feet.
- Use a protective nail polish layer and try to avoid dark colors, as they increase the problem of yellowing nails.