Yellow Nails

Yellow nails can be caused by staining from smoking or nail polish, but they can also have more serious causes such as nail infections, thyroid conditions, psoriasis, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Yellow nails can range from slightly discolored to a distinctly dark yellowish tint. Treatment for yellow nails generally involves treating the underlying condition.

Staining

Staining is a common reason why you may notice that your nails are yellow. There are a few things that can cause this:

• Nail polish may contain pigments that can cause yellow staining.
• Sunless tanner can stain the fingernails if you apply it without gloves.
• Tobacco staining of the fingers and nails is associated with a higher risk of tobacco-related diseases such as smoking-related cancer, heart disease, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Diseases That Cause Yellow Nails

Many medical conditions can cause yellow nails. These include:

• Melanonychia is a condition that results in discoloration of the nails. Often it presents as a dark stripe. It can be caused by fungal, bacterial, or viral infections, inflammatory disorders, tumors, systemic diseases like endocrine disorders and AIDS, trauma, and nutritional deficiencies.
• Yellow nail syndrome is a rare but serious disorder with an unknown cause. This condition also causes additional symptoms including respiratory problems, chronic sinusitis, and lower limb swelling. It is sometimes associated with autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), lymphatic diseases, and cancers.
• Fungal nail infection is a common cause of nail discoloration. Anyone can get nail fungus, but it is more common if you have a foot or nail injury, diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor circulation, or a fungal infection elsewhere on the body.
• Vitamin deficiencies and other nutritional problems can sometimes cause the nails to become brittle and discolored.
  

Yellow nails can also be a symptom of a health problem that affects another part of the body. For example:

• Thyroid disease can cause yellowing of the nail plates and other symptoms such as nail thickening and onycholysis (nails that separate from the nail bed).
• Diabetes causes a yellow tint in the nails of around 40% of those who have it, though the reasons are unclear. People with diabetes are also more prone to getting fungal nail infections.
• Psoriasis is a skin condition that can cause nail changes including discoloration and pitting

To diagnose the cause of your yellow nails, a healthcare provider (usually a dermatologist, a doctor specializing in skin and nails) will examine your nails and take a detailed medical history, including symptoms and any medications or health conditions you have. This information can often direct the next steps, if any.

What Medications Can Cause Yellow Nails?

Certain medications may also cause nails to turn yellow. These include:

• Tetracyclines (an antibiotic used to treat acne and other bacterial infections)
• Quinolones (a type of antibiotic)
• Clofazimine (an antibiotic used to treat leprosy)
• Combivir (a medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV)
• Psoralens (a drug used to treat skin conditions)
• Retinoids (an acne medication)
• Cytotoxic drugs (chemotherapy drugs that kill cells)

Most of the time, nail discoloration resolves after you stop taking the medication. However, sometimes the problem persists even after you discontinue it.

Never stop taking a medication without first talking with a healthcare provider. They may decide it's best to finish the course (if it's short-term), or they may find another treatment option.

How to Get Rid of Yellow Nails

Getting rid of yellow nails depends on the cause. For example, if you're a smoker and your nails are tobacco-stained, you'll need to quit smoking. If you wear dark nail polish and your nails are stained, you may need to switch to a lighter color and wear a base coat.

You may be able to improve the look of stained nails with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Hydrogen peroxide can penetrate the nail to remove stains beneath the surface. Try soaking your nails in a solution made from warm water, hydrogen peroxide, and baking soda.

If medication is causing your nails to turn yellow, you should talk with a healthcare provider about alternatives that don't have that side effect.

Treating Nail Fungus

If you have nail discoloration due to a fungal infection, you can try the following home remedies:

• Tea tree or oregano oil: Mix a few drops of tea tree oil or oregano oil into a carrier oil such as coconut or jojoba oil and use a cotton swab to apply to the infected nails.
• Baking soda: Soak your nails in hot water mixed with baking soda. This creates an environment where it is difficult for fungi to grow.
  
• Antifungals: Some fungal infections require antifungal medications, which can be purchased over the counter.

Medical Treatments for Yellow Nails

Treatment for yellow nails depends on the cause. If your nails are yellow from melanonychia, treatment may involve stopping medication or treating the underlying disease or trauma.

If yellow nail syndrome is the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, vitamin E supplements, and corticosteroids. Sometimes surgery is required for respiratory problems, like pleural effusions (fluid-filled membranes in the lungs).

Fungal nail infections are often treated with antifungal medications, laser therapy, or nail removal. Nails that are stained from nail polish may need a break from nail polish. Once the nails grow out, they often clear up on their own.

Your skin and nails stop yellowing when you stop smoking.

Preventing Yellow Nails

Yellow nails can't always be prevented, but you can take steps to avoid contracting nail fungus by making sure to use reputable nail salons and keeping your nails clean and trim.

To prevent nail staining, avoid frequent use of nail polish remover and choose a remover that does not contain acetone. Acetone can dry and damage your nails, making them more prone to staining.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Yellow nails are a condition that a healthcare provider should check out. While sometimes the cause of yellow nails can be cosmetic, it can also be caused by serious underlying health conditions.

If your yellow nails are accompanied by other body-wide symptoms (respiratory or circulatory symptoms), it is essential to get that checked out, as it could signal yellow nail syndrome.

In addition, fungal nail infections are notoriously stubborn to treat, so the sooner you receive a diagnosis and treatment plan, the more likely it will be that your infection will clear promptly.

Summary

Many things can cause yellow nails, including staining from substances like nail polish or a serious underlying health condition. In addition to discoloration, you may also notice nails that stop growing, separate from the nail bed, or are brittle. Infections, trauma, nail polish stains, smoking, and medication side effects may be to blame for yellow nails.

Treatment of yellow nails is geared toward resolving the underlying cause.