Causes of yellowing nails

Nails are not only a space for a beautiful manicure, it also serves as a barometer of overall health and reflects our daily habits. If you are familiar with the problem of yellowing nails - my article is for you!

Yellowed nails are not uncommon, however, it never came into fashion. :) Today I will tell you the most common causes of yellowing nails, as well as what you can do to get rid of this negative phenomenon forever.

Causes of yellowing nails

1. Careless handling of nails. One of the common causes of yellow nails is the consequences of injury. It can be a light blow, and undermining the nail at the point of contact with the skin, and an absolute breakdown.

According to doctors, this is a common cause of slight yellowing of the nails as the nail lifts up from the nail bed and thus loses its source of nourishment and therefore dries and changes color. When a leaf falls from a tree, over time it dries up and changes color. The same thing happens with nails.

2. Are you a fan of dark nail polishes? Contrary to the common thinking that healthy nails are hard and tough, the reality is that nails are actually quite porous. Therefore, when nail polish is applied, especially dark shades, the nail plate may partially absorb the pigment of the paint. Iron oxide, which is part of the varnish, oxidizes, and leads to a temporary yellow coating.

Fortunately, it's not forever. To avoid staining in the future, be sure to apply a base coat before using heavily pigmented polishes. And also periodically take breaks when covering the nails, and let the nails “breathe” and get saturated with oxygen.

3. You neglect hygiene in public places. Many modern girls take care of their appearance and visit gyms or sports clubs. But, unlike improving physical fitness, nails are not always beneficial. It's easy to get fungus in these kinds of public places, especially when walking barefoot in the locker room. Fungus and bacteria can cause yellow nails, and later their fragility. Don't forget your flip-flops in the shower, and wash your hands well after workouts.

4. You are a heavy smoker or suffer from beriberi. Although the exact cause is not known, yellow nails tend to occur in those who suffer from chronic lung diseases, as well as in long-term smokers (since the nails are often exposed to tobacco smoke while holding a cigarette).

Certain vitamin deficiencies such as B-12 and zinc can also cause nail discoloration over time.

5. Someone in your family has yellowed nails. This is a fairly rare occurrence, but there is a so-called "yellow nail syndrome", which is inherited. It begins in middle age, and manifests as deep yellow nails on both hands and feet, swelling in the legs, and respiratory signs such as chronic difficulty breathing. In this case, even after careful treatment, there is a chance that the nails will not return to its original color, as the changes happened due to a genetic mutation.

How to get rid of yellow nails

1. Lemon. Lemon is a natural bleaching agent that can remove yellow spots from nails. Soaking the affected area in lemon juice can help get rid of stains on fingernails and toenails. You can easily use lemon juice products at home, but be patient: the stains won't go away in a day or two. Soak your nails in a bowl of lemon juice for 10-15 minutes. Then gently massage it with a soft toothbrush to clean the yellowed areas. Then, rinse your hands with warm water and apply moisturizer. You can repeat the procedure twice a day until you achieve the desired result.

2. Hydrogen peroxide Hydrogen peroxide can easily whiten your nails. This will be especially effective for those whose nails have turned yellow from smoking or using dark nail polish. However, this method is not recommended for a fungal infection: in this case, you need to get to the root of the problem and cure the fungus, and then the nails will restore its natural appearance. Be extremely careful when using this method. Mix three to four tablespoons of 3% hydrogen peroxide and half a glass of water. Make sure it's well mixed, and then soak your nails in the solution for two minutes. Then rinse your hands well under running water. And be sure to apply a moisturizer to prevent drying of the skin. The procedure can be carried out only once a week.

3. Baking soda Baking soda can also be used to whiten yellow nails and help restore its natural color. You can also mix it with olive oil and water for a hydrating effect. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of olive oil, and one teaspoon of lemon juice to make a thick paste. Using a soft toothbrush, rub the mixture into your nails for five minutes. Rinse your hands with warm water and repeat the procedure every two weeks until the desired result is achieved.

4. Toothpaste Another way to treat yellow nails is to use toothpaste with a whitening effect. The same ingredients that help whiten teeth can help with mild yellowing of the nails. Apply a thin layer of toothpaste on your nails and wait 5-10 minutes. Then remove the paste using cotton swabs dipped in water. You can repeat this method two or three times a week.

5. Tea Tree Oil If your nails are turning yellow as a result of a bacterial infection, it's best to discuss effective treatments for the condition with your doctor. But often enough, doctors recommend regular tea tree oil as an effective home remedy for treating fungal infections. It has natural antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that will help fight the fungus and return your nails to their natural color.

Apply pure tea tree oil to the nail plate with a dropper. Wash it off with warm water after a few minutes. Repeat the procedure twice a day.

Whether the problem of yellowing nails is purely cosmetic, or is related to your health - in any case, this is a negative factor that needs to be dealt with. It takes time and effort, but a beautiful manicure is worth it! :)