The four little words that make the world spin, 'I need a manicure!' never ring quite as true as when you glance down at your fingernails and notice that all of the sudden they’re tinged yellow. Eek! But don't freak out just yet. We caught up with two board-certified dermatologists to find out why this happens and how to combat it.
Meet the experts: Shereene Idriss, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Marisa Garshick, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
Reason 1: You wear a lot of dark nail polish.
'Unlike the conventional thinking that healthy nails are firm and hard, the reality is that nails are in fact quite porous,' says Shereene Idriss, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist. So when nail polish, especially darker shades, are applied to the nail, the pigment can be absorbed. 'The iron oxides in those polishes become oxidized and result in the temporary yellow-rust like color that will eventually resolve,' she says.
Thankfully, it's not permanent. To avoid the staining in the future, 'Apply a clear base coat prior to using heavily pigmented polishes,' Dr. Idriss says. 'Also, if you are bothered by the yellow stain, take your nail polish off after a week or so, and dare to go bare every once in a while.'
Reason 2: You have a fungus.
If you tend to use public showers—like the ones at the gym, for example—and don't typically wear shower shoes, you have a greater chance of getting a fungal infection on your nails and toes.
'There's definitely a fungus among us, especially when walking barefoot in the locker room,' Dr. Idriss says. 'Athlete's foot is a thing, and it's no surprise the name holds true. Fungus and bacteria can cause the nails to turn yellow-green and eventually acquire chalk-like brittleness.' If you think you've gotten something from the locker room, Dr. Idriss recommends speaking to your dermatologist, since treatment can vary depending on the source of the discolouration.
Reason 3: You’re a smoker (or you have a vitamin deficiency).
'Although the exact reason why is unknown, yellow nails are usually seen in those who suffer from chronic lung disease or poor liver function, and long-term smokers (as nails come into contact with the smoke of tobacco),' says Dr. Idriss. 'Certain vitamin deficiencies such as B-12 and zinc can also lead to nail discoloration over time.'
Reason 4: Someone in your family also has yellow nails.
'This is extremely rare and is known as 'yellow-nail syndrome,' says Dr. Idriss of the hereditary condition. 'It starts in middle age, and is associated with obviously yellow nails of both hands and feet, swelling in the legs, and respiratory signs such as chronic difficulty breathing. If this affects you or someone you know, treating the underlying lung issues and leg swelling is of crucial importance to your health. Your nails may or may not revert back to normal because the changes are due to a genetic mutation.'
How to get rid of yellow nails
Treatment of yellow nails is all dependent on how you got them in the first place. For yellow nails caused by nail polish, for example, board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD suggests avoiding dark colors while your nails get back to their natural shade. (Or give your nail beds a break from polish altogether just to let them breathe).
You can also use nail brighteners like the Butter London Mellow the Yellow, which she says has a blend of vitamin E, exfoliating acids, and lemon fruit extract to help with discolouration, or the Manicurist Green Active Glow that leaves nails with a rosy glow and also nourishes and regenerates them at the same time.
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When it comes to conditions like nail fungus, she recommends using an antifungal treatment. Yellow nail syndrome, on the other hand, is more about treating the symptoms that come with it rather than the actual yellow nail. As mentioned previously, your nails may not go back to their normal color because it is considered a genetic mutation.
Dr. Garshicks adds that foods rich in vitamin E, such as avocado, sunflower oil, almonds, and spinach, can also help address yellow nails and it would be wise to incorporate these foods into your diet. You’ll also want to minimise trauma to the nails and to moisturise your nails and cuticles regularly to prevent nail dystrophy, which she says is known to give nails a yellow appearance.
And while she says vinegar soaks have shown to be helpful with nail infections, for anything really serious you should go see a healthcare professional. If you’re doing any of the treatments mentioned above and it’s still not helping, it’s time to give your doctor a call and book an appointment ASAP.
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FAQs
Fungus and bacteria can cause the nails to turn yellow-green and eventually acquire chalk-like brittleness." If you think you've gotten something from the locker room, Dr. Idriss recommends speaking to your dermatologist, since treatment can vary depending on the source of the discoloration.
What does it mean when your nails turn yellow? ›
It can also mean that your nails have been stained by a product like nail polish, or that you're having an allergic reaction. Occasionally nails might turn yellow as a symptom of something more serious, such as chronic lung conditions, internal malignancies, lymphatic obstructions, and even rheumatoid arthritis.
What deficiency causes yellow nails? ›
Vitamin deficiencies
Low levels of certain vitamins, like zinc or B12, can lead to weak, yellow-colored nails. Some people opt to take vitamins that specifically target hair and nail health. But you don't always need to take these vitamins to make sure your body is getting what it needs.
Why is my nail polish turning yellow? ›
Leaving nail polish on for an extended period can cause yellowing. It's best to remove the polish after a week or so and let your nails breathe for a few days before applying a new coat. Taking a mani break is essential.
How do I get the yellowish look from my nails? ›
Lemon contains natural bleaching properties that can help to remove the yellow stains from the nails and whiten them. You can directly rub a piece of lemon on your nails or you can make a quick lemon juice soak. Just squeeze some fresh lemon juice into a bowl and dip your fingertips in it for about 10-15 minutes.
Do yellow nails mean they're healthy? ›
It could be a sign of a vitamin deficiency.
“Malnutrition can affect growth of the nails, and in some cases, lead to a yellow discoloration,” says Dr. Zeichner. Your doctor may run blood tests and evaluate you for vitamin and nutrient deficiencies, like zinc or b12.
How do you get rid of yellow nails naturally? ›
You can mix a paste of baking soda and a few drops of lemon juice and apply that to the underside of your nail. You can also use a very fine grit buffing block to remove the yellow tinge. Try using a light coat of base coat before you apply polish.
Do yellow nails mean liver failure? ›
Yellow nails can have many causes. It may be a sign of a fungal infection, which also can lead to thickening and crumbling. Yellow nails also can be a symptom of more serious health problems, including thyroid conditions, liver disease, congestive heart failure, lung disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Does kidney failure cause yellow nails? ›
Yellow coloring
Whether localized to one section of the nail plate or coating the entire plate surface, it is difficult to miss this common discoloration, which may be linked to the accumulation of nitrogen waste in the bloodstream, an indicator of chronic kidney disease.
Does yellow fingernails mean diabetes? ›
Discolored nails may simply indicate an infection, but if you're also making extra trips to the bathroom, constantly reaching for your water bottle, and feeling fatigued, a likely culprit is diabetes. The condition can cause glucose to attach to collagen proteins in the nail, turning them from pink to yellow.
Treatment: There is no treatment because the staining resolves on its own with time. To speed up the process, give your nails a break from use of polish, avoid acetone nail polish removers and soak your nails in diluted hydrogen peroxide (1part peroxide, 3 parts water) to help reduce the yellowing.
Do yellow stained nails go away? ›
Soak your nails for 10-15 minutes daily in lemon juice until the stains have disappeared. Or, if you think your polish stains are just immediate, e.g. you've just removed yellow polish and see superficial stains, try whitening toothpaste. Scrub your nails with toothpaste using a nail brush. This should do the trick.
How do you fix yellow nails fast? ›
Scrub your nails with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
Use an old, soft bristled toothbrush to apply and rub this paste onto your nails. Rub your nails with this mixture for approximately 2-3 minutes, and then rinse it off with clean water. Be sure to moisturize after using this solution.
Does nail staining go away? ›
Nail stains can last from a few days to a few months. If the stains are light, they might go away in a few days using some remedies. If they are dark, you might have to wait until your nails grow and you cut off the stained part.
Should I be worried if my nails are yellow? ›
Vitamin E deficiency may lead to yellow-colored nails. So can many other vitamin deficiencies or conditions. If you have yellow nails, see your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Do yellow nails mean liver damage? ›
Yellow nails can have many causes. It may be a sign of a fungal infection, which also can lead to thickening and crumbling. Yellow nails also can be a symptom of more serious health problems, including thyroid conditions, liver disease, congestive heart failure, lung disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Do yellow nails mean diabetes? ›
Discolored nails may simply indicate an infection, but if you're also making extra trips to the bathroom, constantly reaching for your water bottle, and feeling fatigued, a likely culprit is diabetes. The condition can cause glucose to attach to collagen proteins in the nail, turning them from pink to yellow.
What do liver failure nails look like? ›
Terry's nails is a type of nail discoloration. The nailbeds look “washed out,” except for a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. Often, Terry's nails is a symptom of a chronic condition, such as liver failure or diabetes. Sometimes, it is a sign of aging.
