What treatment your doctor recommends will depend on what’s causing the yellow nails. A fungal infection can also cause your toenails to thicken or become distorted. The intense toenail fungus and other troubles that are associated with an ingrown nail can be cured by getting the nail of the tow removed with the help of ingrown toenail … Aging individuals will often have a more yellow color to their nails. If your nail doesn't get better, you'll need to see your…. To get rid of yellow toenails, start by mixing 3 parts water with 1 part vinegar in a large bowl and soaking your feet in it for 5 minutes each day to fight the fungus that causes yellowing. At home, to get rid of a yellow toenail, one of the most effective remedies you need to try is 3% hydrogen peroxide. Taking a break from painting your nails should make the yellow go away. Alternatively, try scrubbing your toenails with a nail … Always wear properly fitting shoes. Try One of These 10 Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus. If your toenails are turning yellow, it could be a result of aging, nail polish, or due to an infection. 3. Have your shoe size fitted by a professional if you’re unsure of your correct shoe size. In most cases, yellow toenails are treatable. Studies suggest that tea tree oil isn’t really effective in fighting off a fungal infection, but that Vicks VapoRub did work completely in over a quarter of people with yellow toenails and helped cure some of the infection in over half. Look … Trim nails straight across, smooth the edges with a file and file down thickened areas. Thick yellow toenails can be prevented by taking certain precautions. Does Nail Polish Cause Thick Yellow Toenails? Last medically reviewed on June 26, 2017, If your toenails are discolored, thick, or cracking, you may have toenail fungus. All rights reserved. Treatments may include prescription medicines you can take by mouth or removal of the damaged nail.Â. In rare cases, yellow toenails can actually be a sign of a disorder called yellow nail syndrome (YNS). However, if the cause for the yellow toenails is an underlying medical condition, it may be a sign that something is wrong. Baking soda has strong antifungal effects. The fungus can cause unpleasant odors. Nail fungus causes your toenail to become whitish or yellow-brown. Here’s our process. How to whiten yellow … The fungal infection is caused most often by dermatophytes, which eat keratin to grow. A longstanding rumor among those who suffer from fungus-ridden feet contends that over-the-counter Vicks VapoRub has a hidden podiatric power: it allegedly cures toenail fungus. But could it also be the cause of yellow nails? © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Natural Home Remedies for Yellow Toenails • Soaking the toenails in some water mixed with a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice is one of the simplest natural home remedies for … Doctors don’t know what exactly causes YNS, but people who have it have yellow, curved, thickened nails that grow slowly, along with other symptoms like respiratory problems. The astringent powers of lemons as well as the fruit’s capability to be a bleaching agent may alleviate yellow... 2. Shoes offer a dark, moist environment that. Aging can be a natural cause of yellow toenails and fingernails. Black toenails are attributed to a variety of causes, some of which resolve on their own. Over time, debris builds up beneath the nail, causing it to darken. Feet can change in shape and size with weight gain, loss, or pregnancy. Be careful when choosing a salon for a pedicure and check to make sure that they’re changing water and sanitizing stations between customers. Moisturize your nails after washing. You can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal nail creams and ointments. … Fungal infections are more common in toenails since your feet are in warm, moist environments more often. Olive leaf extract has both antibacterial and antifungal effects. It’s common for yeasts, molds, and other fungi can enter toenails and cause infection. Laser therapy can be used to treat a fungal toenail infection. In case of severe ingrown toe nail troubles, home remedies fail to treat the patient. Preventive measures keep you from getting a fungal infection or reinfection. Home Remedies For Yellow Toenails 1. What causes them, and what you can do about them. This usually happens to athletes that exercise frequently. Athletes or people who spend a lot of time in hot or moist conditions are also more prone to getting a foot infection. Add one teaspoon of crushed juniper berries to a bowl of … Baking soda not only helps in exfoliating the skin to lighten yellow toenails, but it can also impart anti-fungal() properties which help in treating toenail … Try over-the-counter antifungal nail creams and ointments. The metatarsals are the long bones of…. In general, yellow toenails are a sign that something may be wrong. Using antibiotics is especially helpful if there’s an infection present somewhere in the body, like pneumonia. If your toenails continue becoming discolored, thicker, or deformed despite treatments, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Wear sweat-absorbing socks or change your socks throughout the day. Learn what symptoms to look for and how to treat this condition. It’s less common, but the infection can affect your fingernails as well. Yellow spots on toenails are very common, and although there are various causes, the most common is the use of poor quality nail polish, left on for a long time leading to the presence of fungi and an infection in the area.Fixing this problem to make your feet look natural is possible with some tricks and home remedies, so at OneHowTo.com we explain in detail how to whiten yellow toenails … Tea tree oil works to soothe the … 2. Why Does it Work? Lemon. Yellow nail syndrome is a very rare condition. The following measures can help you prevent thick yellow toenails caused by infection: Topical treatments administer antifungal agents on your toenails to stop fungal growth. 4. Oregano oil contains thymol. Poor blood flow can keep infections from healing.Â. Disinfect your nail clippers after each use. The Remedy Soap Antifungal Wash specifically addresses fungal infections by combining all-natural ingredients: tea tree oil, peppermint, and eucalyptus. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. White spots on your fingernails are common and usually do not indicate a serious problem. In some cases, fungus can cause the toenails to become thicker. It can lead the nail to turn yellow, have yellow spots, white patches, or even turn black. Having yellow toenails isn’t dangerous by itself. It is a good idea to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment if: According to American Family Physician, onychomycosis occurs in about 10 percent of the adult population, and the risk of getting it increases with age. Nails can grow brittle, crumbly, or ragged. Go see your doctor if your nails also have any of the following: One of the most common causes of yellow toenails in an infection by a fungus that attacks the nails. Similar to using tea tree oil for treatment, oregano oil should be mixed with a carrier oil before being applied topically to the affected nail or nails. Healthy nails are usually clear in color and don’t have any major issues like cracks, indentations, ridges, or abnormal shapes. Often associated with lymphedema, it can occur during cancer treatment. If your toenails do not respond well to OTC treatment, your doctor may prescribe a medicated nail cream. Tea … Cut toenails straight across with clean nail clippers. A fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis or tinea unguium, happens when a fungus that’s normally in your fingernails or toenails overgrows. One study found that using antibiotics, such as 400 milligrams of clarithromycin, cleared up yellow toenails. One of the most common prescription antifungal medications is ciclopirox 8 percent solution, which is applied to the nails like nail polish. According to a 2016 review, thymol has antifungal and antibacterial properties. But infections can lead to more serious problems, such as foot ulcers, in people with diabetes. Pictures and symptoms of the red, scaly rash. For example, if your yellow toenails are being caused by a fungal infection, you’ll need antifungal medication to treat it. In this case, the nail will often become yellow or brown in addition to becoming thicker. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have diabetes, as toenail fungus can lead to more serious infections and diabetic foot problems. If you have a medical condition that causes poor blood circulation in the legs, like diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or other autoimmune disorders, you’re more prone to foot disorders in general. About halfof people over the age of 70 get the fungal infection. Wear shoes in pool areas and locker rooms where you could come in contact with nail fungus. Nail discoloration and age. Fungus growing around the nail can cause the nail to separate from the nail bed as the fungus fills in the area. Toenail discoloration gets better without treatment if the toe has had a chance to heal from an injury. Be sure to: Shop nail kits for your at-home pedicures. Hydrogen peroxide to help whiten teeth effectively when combined with baking soda, and its a common ingredient in whitening toothpaste. These include: mixing tea tree oil with a carrier oil and applying it to the affected nail soaking the affected nail in hot water mixed with baking soda applying vinegar to the affected nail including a sufficient amount of vitamin E in the diet soaking the affected nail in a mixture … People with mild symptoms of fungal infection may treat their toenails at home. Home Yellow Toenail Treatment: Stage … 5- Toe nail surgery. We include products we think are useful for our readers. These infections can spread easily and develop fast. This is a simple answer as a home remedy for yellow toenails. There’s no treatment for yellow nail syndrome itself, though it sometimes goes away on its own. Medication Toenail discoloration can also be a side effect of certain … American Family Physician: “Onychomycosis: Current Trends in Diagnosis and Treatment.”, Informed Health: “Nail fungus: Polish, cream or tablets?”, Medical News Today: “Tea tree oil for nail fungus: Does it work?”, Medical News Today: “What causes feet sweating?”, Medical News Today: “Why do toenails become thick?”, University Health News: “Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus.”. Wash your hands and feet regularly. Trim and thin the nails. The first remedy we propose consists of mixing a tea spoon of olive oil with three drops of tea tree oil. Yellow nail syndrome. Many healthy adults may have these spots at some point in…, The dorsal tarsometatarsal ligament is located in the foot. This is called onychomycosis, and it happens more in adults than children. Their nails also may have ridges or indentations in them and can also turn black or green. Toenails that have become thicker over time are a likely sign of a fungal infection. 2. 3. You might want to try one of them first if the infection doesn't look bad. Repeat this operation for about a month. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Other medications that can help cure yellow toenails include applying vitamin E, zinc, and a topical corticosteroid with Vitamin D-3. While there are oral prescription drugs to treat toenail fungus…. Natural Home Remedies for Yellow Toenails 1. As people grow older, the color, thickness, and shape of their nails tends to change. Repeated trauma or injury can also make you more likely to get a fungal infection that leads to thick yellow toenails. This will make it easier for topical treatments (like creams or gels) to reach deeper layers of the nail. It’s possible that your thick yellow toenails are caused by conditions such as psoriasis, a skin disease. Toenails are an ideal environment for fungal infections because they are moist and warm. Wear … Wash your hands after touching an infected nail. Quick Yellow Toenail Fungus Treatment Overview: How Did I Get Toenail Fungus? Baking Soda is also a very good bleaching agent and helps a great deal in cleaning off the yellow color in the toenails… Yellow nail syndrome This less-common cause of thick nails affects both fingernails and toenails. Some people are more prone to getting yellow toenails or catching a fungal infection. There are some medications and home remedies that might help cure yellow toenails or help lighten the yellow color. It’s a well-known fact that diabetes affects the feet. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Two nonprescription home remedies that’ve been studied to treat yellow toenails are Vicks VapoRub (a topical mentholated ointment) and tea tree oil. Most cases of yellow toenails are caused by a fungal infection that’s treatable. For example, yellow toenails can be caused by an infection, fungus, or medical disorder. All rights reserved. You may not see results for months. Cracked, thickened, yellow toenails (from a fungal infection) Diabetes can prevent you from feeling that you might have an infection, so check your feet every day. You’re more likely to contract a fungal foot infection if you: ●Have diabetes type 1 / 2, circulatory problems, or psoriasis (a skin condition). They can then prescribe a treatment plan. All you have to do is: Dilute some amount of this remedy with … Wash your hands and feet regularly. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Remedies and Treatments for Thick Yellow Toenails. Diabetes and Yellow Nails: Is There a Connection? Thick yellow toenails are usually caused by a fungal infection called onychomycosis. If you paint your nails frequently with nail polish that’s red or orange in color, your nails can also be discolored as a result of the polish. This helps reduce pain by reducing pressure on the nails. It takes time for thick yellow toenail treatments to work. The following habits can help prevent nail fungus or reinfections and athlete's foot, which can lead to nail fungus: 1. When it has cooled, put your feet in a container and let it rest for 15 minutes. If you notice that your nails are turning yellow — and especially if you have any other issues like a change in shape or thickness or any bleeding, discharge, pain, or swelling — you should see your doctor. The following measures can help you prevent thick yellow toenails caused by infection: Wear sweat-absorbing socks to prevent fungi from forming in the fabric. Choose shoes made of materials … Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Bring five cloves of garlic to a boil in a glass of water. Trim your toenails and smooth the edges with a file. Some skin conditions can also affect the toenails … Or it could be due to a more serious issue, like an infection. Regularly air out your shoes after sports or other outdoor activities to ensure that they’re not wet while you wear them. The condition causes the nails to yellow and become curved and … Its effective against bacteria and fungi, which makes it a great treatment if youre not sure whats causing your nails to become yellow. Baking Soda: This is an effective Home Remedy for various conditions and can be effective in getting rid of yellow toenails as well. Image: ShutterStock. Home remedies and medical treatments help stop fungal growth and let healthy nails grow back.Â. Applying it in liquid form on infected toenails multiple times a day can combat a fungal infection. Nail discoloration is a normal part of the aging process. Garlic cloves for yellow toenails. Be sure to clip and clean your nails before use to make sure the creams reach deeper layers. However, it can also happen when people wear shoes that don’t fit properly or someone stubs their toe badly. You may not be able to prevent yellow toenails from ever happening again, but your best bet is to practice proper nail care and regularly inspect and monitor your nails for any signs of an issue, especially if you have poor circulation or are prone to nail disorders. Two nonprescription home remedies that’ve been studied to treat yellow toenails are Vicks VapoRub (a topical mentholated ointment) and tea tree oil. If your toenails are turning yellow, it could be a result of something less serious, like aging or nail polish. Some … To treat toenail fungus, apply oregano oil to the affected nail … About Onychomycosis, Toenail Fungal infections of the toenails, causing thickening, roughness, and splitting, often caused by Trichophyton rubrum or T. mentagrophytes, Candida, and … This can be irritating or painful. © 2005 - 2021 WebMD LLC. If you notice white markings on the surfaces of the nails, file them off, soak your nails in water, dry them, and apply the medicated cream or lotion. Baking soda has been making the news for being a potent home remedy for a number of conditions. Doctors can better diagnose the cause of your thick yellow toenails by collecting and analyzing nail clippings. A traditional cure for yellow toenails is to carefully rub half a lemon on your nail. To make sure the cream penetrates the hard surface of your nail, you or your doctor may need to thin it with a file.Â. Head to an emergency room if you have severe symptoms. Oregano oil to have antimicrobial properties. Wear sweat-absorbing socks to prevent fungi from forming in the fabric. If you have thick yellow toenails, you may be able to treat the infection at home. If you have a compromised immune system or diabetes, complications are more likely to arise with fungal infections. In some cases, yellow toenails may just be a result of nail polish or the normal aging process, but just to be on the safe side, you should always regularly monitor your nails for any changes. As you age, your toenails, as well as your fingernails, may begin to turn a light shade of yellow. Also, if you do this before applying an antifungal, the drug can reach deeper layers of the … 2. It provides connections among the bones of the feet. Juniper berries act as a strong disinfectant and can effectively treat discolored nails caused by a fungal infection. Oregano oil is highly effective in treating thick toenails naturally because of its strong antiparasitic, antiviral, antifungal and antiseptic properties, keeping the nails free from … A healthy toenail can then grow back. Often, you can take care of a fungal nail infection at home: 1. Soaking your thick yellow toenails in baking soda and water can combat fungal infections.Â. You can buy antifungal creams, gels, and nail polish at the store and online without a prescription. Hydrogen per… It’s important to practice habits that prevent toenail infection and reinfection. Keratin is found in skin and nails. Several products are available. Troubles, home Remedies for yellow toenails wear them environments more often not provide medical advice, or! Fungi can enter toenails and smooth the edges with a file and file down thickened areas provides connections among bones. It may be able to treat a fungal infection that ’ s causing the yellow color to their also. 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