Approved. (2006, July). We avoid using tertiary references. If your nails have been damaged by dyes or harsh products, new nail growth should be a healthy, clear color. Let's break down a few of the most common reasons for yellow nails: If you're a fan of deep, vampy red or nearly black navy tips, Maiman says the dye in these types of polishes can actually cause yellow discoloration. This is important because if your yellow nails are due to fungus, you might need special treatment to completely get rid of it. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda, a half-teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of lemon juice into a thick paste. If you do want to use a darker color, be especially sure to use a good-quality base coat to protect your nails. Use a clean cotton ball and more nail polish remover as needed. Once all nail polish is removed, you can fully see the stained areas of your nails! And if the medication causes your yellow nails, you should talk with a healthcare provider about alternatives that don't have that side effect. 2009 - 2023 MindBodyGreen LLC. Numerous things can cause yellow nails. Potato helped me removed nicotine stains from my fingers. In rare situations, yellow nails can indicate the presence of skin cancer. However, it is important to be aware that home remedies are not always effective. Other causes of yellow nails include; fungal infection, allergic reaction, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, thyroid disorder, liver disease, smoking . He is a clinical professor at the University of Colorado in Denver, and co-founder and practicing dermatologist at the Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Colorado. Another way to get rid of smokers lines is to use laser skin resurfacing. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Fungal infection. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disorder in which the cause is unknown. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. If you frequently wear nail polish, you may notice that your nails become stained yellow. Nails that are stained from nail polish may need a break from nail polish. One study noted an 84% frequency of tobacco-related diseases among people with tobacco-stained fingers. Just try this amazing DIY solution using lemons to get rid of yellow toenails or fingernail. Apply an over-the-counter anti-fungal solution or cream to your nails, such as clotrimazole or undecylenic acid. Certain medications may also cause nails to turn yellow. Vicks VapoRub For this, you need the standard brown-bottle stuff that you can find on Amazon. What Causes Nails To Yellow? Her clients include Sephora, Target, and Vogue. 2. Here are some easy at-home treatments to get your nail game back on track. Last medically reviewed on April 3, 2017, Peeling nails can result from trauma to the nail. Alternatively, you can use a paste made of 1 tablespoon peroxide and 2.5 tablespoons of baking soda. Soak your nails for 10 to 15 minutes each day until you are happy with the results. Our online classes and training programs allow you to learn from experts from anywhere in the world. If the cause is cosmetic-related (i.e., nail polish or self-tanner), Maiman recommends taking a break from using the product. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/71\/Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg\/aid1114329-v4-728px-Fix-Nicotine-Stained-Fingers-Step-01-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"