Yellow nails

The vast majority of us do not give too much importance to the color, texture and shape of our nails. However, the truth is that they can indicate different health problems. The yellow nails are rooted in multiple causes: liver disease, ingredients containing nail polish, snuff …

Although in the vast majority of cases yellow nails are not a serious problem , it is important to pay special attention to their evolution. If the yellow spots are more and more widespread or the nails change shape, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

What are the causes of yellow nails?

Nail polish

When choosing nail polish, in the same way as any other product for the skin or hair, bet on quality and pay close attention to the ingredients. And it is that, some enamels contain in their formulation a substance called formaldehyde, better known as formaldehyde . This substance with the keratin that the nails have, thus creating yellow spots.

Therefore, you should always choose good quality enamels that do not contain formaldehyde. Still, don’t overuse them.

Lack of vitamins

A healthy and balanced diet is essential to have a good state of health. You should know that the deficiency of B vitamins can cause yellow nails. These types of nutrients are one of the most important for the health and appearance of nails, especially vitamin B7, which can be found in different types of vegetables.

Vitamin A supplements

If you choose to take supplements to compensate for the deficit of a nutrient in your diet, you should always do so under the supervision of a nutritionist. Otherwise, problems like this can arise: the abuse of vitamin A supplements can cause the nails to turn a yellowish color.

The reason is the following: vitamin A can be presented as a carotenoid pigment , which provides the characteristic orange color to many vegetables and fruits.

Yeast infection

Among the various diseases that yellow nails can cause is fungal infection. This disorder is called onychomycosis , and it consists of the different layers of the nails becoming thicker and yellowish. These types of infections are frequent especially in the feet during the summer season.

To smoke

Smoking is one of the least healthy habits that exist, and it can significantly harm your health, including that of your nails. Over the years, the nicotine in cigarettes permeates the nails, and they take on a yellowish color.

Liver problem

This is the most serious cause of all. If your nails suddenly turn bright yellow, you may have a liver problem . It is best that you go to the doctor as soon as possible to establish a diagnosis.

Fungal infection and yellow nails

One of the most common causes of yellow nails, in adults and children, is the presence of fungus . This is a condition called onychomycosis. It arises because of the proliferation of fungi, which enter the nails through small cracks.

Nail fungus is generally contracted in warm and humid areas, such as locker rooms or public swimming pools. They are also common in older people, as well as in patients with diabetes or whose immune system is weakened.

One of the main symptoms of nail fungus is the yellowish color of the nails. But, in addition, there are others: the appearance of stripes, brittleness, deformity, breakage and thickening. If the infection progresses to an advanced stage, nail loss may occur.

Yellow nail syndrome: what is it?

When talking about yellow nail syndrome , in the vast majority of cases it is linked to a purely aesthetic problem. But the truth is that it goes much further. It is a complex disease that causes a lot of pain and occurs mainly in people over 50 years of age.

Despite the numerous studies that have been conducted on yellow nail syndrome , the cause remains unknown to this day. However, many experts agree that genetics may be the main cause.

The first noticeable symptom is that the nails turn yellow. In general, everything begins with small yellowish spots that gradually spread and the color increases in intensity. As time passes, the fingernails and toenails become curved, until there comes a time when they stop growing.

If proper treatment is not applied, life-threatening complications such as pleural effusion or chronic respiratory infection can occur in the medium and long term .

As for the treatment of yellow nail syndrome, it largely depends on the general health of the patient and the symptoms. In general, the administration of antibiotics and vitamin E is included .

There are some home remedies that, although they do not cure the disease, they are very useful to alleviate the symptoms. One of the best solutions is to soak your nails in vinegar on a daily basis.

How to avoid yellow nails?

When the cause of yellow nails is a disease that requires medical treatment, you should consult your doctor. In the same way, if you suffer from a vitamin B deficiency , you should also go to the doctor to give you the appropriate guidelines.

Still, there are some causes that it is in your power to avoid. For example, yeast infections . If you don’t want to suffer them, you should pay special attention to hand and foot hygiene.

It is important that they are wet for as little time as possible, so after showering or bathing in the pool, dry them with a cotton towel. Also, cut your nails periodically and clean them very well with a brush daily. Of course, in public places always wear flip flops.

If your nails are yellow from tobacco , the only solution is to quit smoking. Maybe now is a good time to say goodbye to tobacco once and for all.

Tricks to whiten your nails at home

If you have yellow nails due to tobacco or a nail polish that contains formaldehyde, surely you are interested in knowing some tricks and home remedies to whiten your nails.

• Toothpaste: this is one of the simplest remedies to implement, and at the same time, the most effective. All you have to do is apply a layer of whitening toothpaste to your nails and scrub with a soft-bristle toothbrush. Then, let it act for a few minutes and rinse with plenty of warm water.
• Lemon: You also have the option of cutting several lemon slices and passing them directly on the yellow nails.
• Bicarbonate and water: bicarbonate is a product with infinite uses in the fields of home and health. To make this homemade solution you have to mix baking soda and a little water, thus forming a paste. Apply the mixture on the nails and rub gently with a toothbrush.

In any case, as the saying goes “better safe than sorry.” Therefore, put into practice the tips to avoid yellow nails .

Nail Signs Indicating Serious Health Problems

Finally, we have collected a series of nail signs that you should pay special attention to because they can indicate serious health problems .

• Spoon nail : although the so-called spoon nail is not very common, it can occur, especially in older people. When the nails take this shape it is due to a deficiency of iron in the body, also known as anemia.
• Blue nails: when the nails take a bluish color it is called cyanosis. This disorder can occur in different extremities of the body due to a lack of oxygen in the blood.
• White spots: white spots on the nails can be due to many causes, some of them mild, such as an allergic reaction to some ingredient in nail polish. But there are also other more serious ones, such as the deficit of nutrients due to an unhealthy or balanced diet.
• Terry’s nails: finally, those known as Terry’s nails. This name is given to nails that are totally white and with a very thin pink line. They usually respond to a heart or kidney problem.

In conclusion, it should be noted that yellow nails in the vast majority of cases do not pose a serious problem. Even so, it is important that you pay attention to its condition and evolution and, if necessary, go to the doctor