Why Do Nails Turn Yellow and How to Restore Their Healthy Color

Yellow nails can signal various health conditions, ranging from mild to life-threatening.

Common Reasons for Yellow Nails

Here are some of the most frequent causes.

1. Recent Use of Red or Orange Nail Polish

Pigments in red or orange nail polishes can sometimes stain nails, especially if applied without a base coat. This yellowish tint may persist even after removing the polish. Excessive use of acetone-based nail polish removers can also contribute to yellowing.

Although yellow nails from polish stains look unattractive, they are harmless. As nails grow out, their natural color will return.

2. Smoking

Nicotinic compounds in cigarette smoke can discolor nails and fingertips, turning them yellowish-brown—similar to the staining effect on teeth. This is a common side effect of smoking.

3. Fungal Infection

Fungal infections often affect toenails but can also target fingernails. Yellowing is just an initial symptom. Infected nails may thicken, become brittle, and crumble easily. If you notice these signs, it’s likely a fungal infection.

4. Aging

Changes in nail color, thickness, and shape are natural as you age.

5. Serious Medical Conditions

Persistent yellow nails that don’t grow out may indicate underlying health issues such as:

• Psoriasis;
• Thyroid disorders;
• Diabetes;
• Sinusitis;
• Tuberculosis;
• Jaundice caused by liver or bile duct problems;
• Rheumatoid arthritis.

Yellow nails can also accompany certain cancers. A rare condition called Yellow Nail Syndrome affects mostly people over 50 and is linked to respiratory issues and swelling in the lower limbs. The exact cause remains unknown.

What to Do If Your Nails Are Yellow

If you know the yellowing is due to nail polish or aging, there’s usually no cause for concern. However, if you have any doubts about the cause, consult a general practitioner or dermatologist.

Seek medical advice especially if yellowing is accompanied by:

• Pain around the nails;
• Changes in nail shape or thickness;
• Swelling of the skin around nails;
• Bleeding beneath the nails.

Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and may order tests to confirm or rule out diseases. If a fungal infection or other condition is diagnosed, appropriate treatment will be prescribed to restore your nails’ health.

How to Restore Healthy Nail Color Quickly

If serious illness is ruled out, you can try home remedies to reduce yellowing. However, if your nails remain yellow after 1–2 weeks of treatment, see a healthcare professional to avoid missing a serious condition.

Effective home remedies include:

1. Tea Tree Oil

Add 1–2 drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of a carrier oil such as olive, coconut, grapeseed, or jojoba oil. Apply this mixture to your nails twice daily for several days. Tea tree oil not only lightens discoloration but also helps inhibit fungal growth.

2. Baking Soda

Dissolve 2–3 teaspoons of baking soda in 1–2 liters of warm water and soak your nails for 10–15 minutes once or twice a day. Baking soda helps lighten nails and can slow fungal infections.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide

Twice daily, wipe your nails with a cotton pad soaked in pharmaceutical-grade hydrogen peroxide. For enhanced effect, mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda in a 1:2 ratio to form a paste. Apply this paste for 5–10 minutes daily until the nails regain their natural color.

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