Few things can be as unnerving and embarrassing as yellow-nails. This is a common problem that many people suffer from and it can have a number of causes, from fungal infections to inadequate nutrition. In this article we will explore what causes yellow-nails, how to prevent them, and safe ways to treat existing cases.
When the nails look discolored or yellowed, this is typically indicative of an infection known as nail fungus. The fungus itself thrives in warm and wet environments like showers and swimming pools and can easily spread among family members. Additionally, health conditions like psoriasis or diabetes can cause discoloration of the nails, so it’s important to speak with your doctor if you notice any changes.
What Causes Yellow Nails
Yellow nails are a common problem that can be caused by fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, and skin conditions such as psoriasis. Fungal infections of the nails occur when a fungus enters the nail bed through tiny cuts or abrasions. This condition is especially common among those who frequent public areas like swimming pools or gyms, where the risk of exposure to the virus is higher.
Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to yellowing of the nails, as certain vitamins and minerals are essential for healthy nails. Lastly, some skin conditions such as psoriasis may cause discolored nails even without a fungal infection.
In order to protect against yellow-nails it’s important to practice good hygiene habits and limit exposure to public places where fungi can spread easily. Wear open-toed shoes whenever possible and avoid sharing personal items such as towels or socks with other people.
Furthermore, make sure you keep your feet clean and dry most of the time and replace worn-out shoes regularly in order to avoid any risk of infection. Additionally, taking proper care of your nails by avoiding cutting cuticles or scraping the surface with sharp objects is another way to prevent discoloration.
If despite preventive measures your nails have already started to turn yellow then it’s recommended that you see a doctor as soon as possible in order to determine what’s causing them and what would be an appropriate course of action.
Anti-fungal products that don’t require prescriptions are available over-the counter at pharmacies but for more severe cases it might be necessary seeking professional advice from doctors in order to properly assess each individual case before starting any treatments – although most cases can be solved without major complications simply following safety precautions should always your first choice!
How To Treat Yellow Nails
Treating yellow nails can be done in a number of ways, depending on the underlying cause. For example, if the discoloration is caused by a fungal infection, then treatment will involve using anti-fungal products applied directly to the affected area with multiple applications per day over a period of 5 weeks. This will usually clear up the infection and return your nails back to their normal color.
If yellowing is due to nutritional deficiencies or skin conditions such as psoriasis, then it’s important to consult your doctor in order to determine what course of action should be taken next. In these cases it might be necessary taking vitamin or mineral supplements depending on individual needs – combined with topical treatments and a healthy lifestyle will help improving overall health and reduce discoloration in most cases.
It’s also worth noting that since many artificial nail polishes are known for temporarily staining nails yellow it might help avoiding those products for some time so that you give yourself more chances at having healthy looking nails – just remember to always consult with your manicurist before choosing any type of nail product for use.
Finally keep in mind that taking adequate precautions and following safety measures from the beginning should always be your first choice when dealing with yellow nails – frequent washing and drying of feet, wearing open shoes whenever possible, not sharing personal items like towels/nail clippers… all these are helpful steps towards avoiding fungi and other infections which could lead to impaired nail health.
Home Remedies For Yellow Nails
Yellowing of the nails can be caused by a number of factors, with fungal infections being the most common. Fortunately, there are a variety of home remedies that you can use to treat yellow nails and restore your nail’s natural color.
A popular remedy for treating yellow nails is using tea tree oil which has antifungal properties. Tea tree oil can be mixed with a carrier oil like olive oil or coconut oil and applied directly to the affected nails two to three times per day. Additionally, you could also mix one part hydrogen peroxide with three parts water and soak your nails in it for 20 minutes twice a week in order to prevent any potential infections as well as help remove existing discoloration.
To ensure that your nails are kept clean and dry at all times it might also help having regular warm-water foot baths where you add a few drops of either lavender or lemon oil – both have antiseptic properties which could contribute to reducing infection risks and improving overall health of your feet and nails.
There are some other home remedies such as using vinegar applied using cotton swabs or rubbing garlic on the affected nail however these might not work for everyone so if you decide to give them a try make sure to do so under strict supervision from an experienced medical professional in order to avoid any unnecessary complications further down the line!
Professional Treatments For Yellow Nails
Treating yellow nails can be done professionally in a number of ways. Depending on the underlying cause, your doctor may recommend a course of medication such as prescription anti-fungal creams or antibiotics.
If the discoloration is caused by nutritional deficiencies or skin conditions such as psoriasis, then it might be necessary to take vitamin or mineral supplements, combined with topical treatments and lifestyle changes. Your doctor may also suggest other treatments such as laser therapy which can help reduce fungal infections and promote healthy nail growth.
Another option for treating yellow nails is microneedling which involves creating micro-injuries in the nail bed using tiny needles which could stimulate production of fresh cells and increase local circulation resulting in improved nail health over time. Additionally, if you are looking for more immediate results, professional manicurists might advise you to use a chemical peeling gel that helps exfoliate stained nails without damaging the healthy layer underneath.
No matter what treatment you decide to go with keep in mind that taking adequate precautions and following safety measures are essential before starting any type of treatment – frequent washing and drying of feet, wearing open shoes whenever possible, not sharing personal items like towels/nail clippers… all these steps will contribute to keeping your feet healthy and free from infection!
Prevention Tips For Keeping Your Nails Healthy And Free From Discoloration
Keeping your nails healthy and free from discoloration is much easier than trying to fix the problem once it has already appeared. Prevention is key, and there are a number of tips you can follow to reduce the risk of yellow nails appearing in the first place.
One of the most important steps to take is to keep your feet clean and dry at all times. Regularly washing your feet with soap and water will help reduce the risk of fungal infections which can cause yellow nails. Additionally, make sure that your shoes are properly ventilated so they don’t become too moist – this applies especially to sports shoes or boots which you wear regularly!
Make sure that you always use clean tools when trimming your nails, as shared manicure sets could increase your chances of getting an infection. Also keep an eye out for any unexpected changes in nail coloration, as this could be a sign that something may be wrong – if this happens don’t hesitate to consult a medical professional for advice!
Finally, try not to get discouraged when it comes to yellow nails. Taking all these steps may help prevent discoloration but even if they don’t work initially, there are numerous treatments available which might prove more effective – reaching out for professional help could be the right way forward in such cases!
