It is evident that each small part contributes to the total beauty, even the nail color. Many people tend to use nail polish to heal the ugly color; however, using too much polish can lead to the permanent discoloration of nails and even make them weak and easy to break. Applying nail polish can also cause infection as many bacteria will habitat in your nails. Therefore, it is useful to follow natural remedies rather than using polish or chemicals. Today’s article is aimed at introducing to you some ways on how to get rid of yellow nails on hands and feet naturally. Keep reading this article; you will find some fantastic information.
- Top 18 must-know tips to grow nails fast in one week
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- Top 7 effective solutions to eliminate nail fungus
- Top 10 Worth-Trying To Stop Nail Biting Habit in Toddlers And Adults. This article was medically reviewed/fact checked by Robi Ludwig, Psy.D., LCSW.
13 Useful Ways To Get Rid Of Yellow Nails On Hands & Feet Naturally
The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies that can be used alongside usual medical treatment. Always consult your doctor about recurrent infections, and if symptoms are getting worse rather than better.
I. What Are Yellow Nails?
Your nail may turn into yellow when the yeast beneath them becomes more active and causes infection. It is unfortunate that your nails are vulnerable and can be affected by simple things such as wearing tight shoes, bad hygiene habits, moist environment, etc. This issue is not dangerous, but it makes you less confident when communicating with others.
As we recommended above, yellow nails are mainly caused by yeast infection; however, a condition called “Yellow Nail Syndrome” is also demonstrated to be related to this problem.
II. How-To Tips
1. Consume More Fruits
Besides natural remedies, many people believe that foods are helpful to treat diseases. Fruits such as lemons, oranges, and juniper berries are said to be good for nail and skin whitening. If you like eating oranges, consume one per day. And, you can save the peels to rub on your nails twice or thrice per day. If you follow this method continuously in one week, you will see the positive result.
2. Provide Your Body With Enough Proteins
Your nails are complex structures, which require a sufficient amount of proteins and vitamins to grow well[1]. Besides consuming more proteins, it is vital to take more vitamin B and E, iron, calcium, and zinc. These nutrients will not only decide the strength of your nails but also affect your overall health.
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3. Limit The Usage Of Dark Nail Polish
All of us like a little black to be cute, but a lot of dark polish can cause nail discoloration. Thus, if you’re a big fan of nail polish, try to choose the light and nice one instead of the black color. Or, it is better to stop the use of nail polish and recuperate your nails; so that you will have beautiful nails naturally.
4. Use A Nail Whitening Pencil
This way will help you to solve the problem immediately. It is especially useful when you do not have enough time to take care of your nails. Moreover, a whitening pencil is always available in the market; so it can help you to solve the problem whenever you want. Just clean your hands and feet carefully to remove the dirt from your nails and cover them with the white color using the whitening pencil.
5. Give Up Smoking
If you want to remove the yellowing on teeth and nails, stop smoking immediately[2]. Although it is quite challenging, it brings us a lot of health and beauty benefits. When you give up smoking, both your relatives and you are at the low risk of lung cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Also, smoking makes your skin dark and unattractive. Furthermore, it causes discoloration of lips and nails. Therefore, create your plan to quit smoking to ensure your health and appearance.
6. Have Proper Nail Care Habits
Many people think that nails need no special care. However, this is a wrong idea. If you have bad hygiene habits or work in a toxic environment, your nails need further attention. Therefore, remember to wash your hands several times per day to remove all bacteria and infection. Also, apply moisturizing lotion to your hands, feet, and nails every day to nourish them.
III. Effective Remedies
1. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is powerful in treating bacteria and fungi causing yellow nails. Thanks to the antiseptic, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil acts as a natural fungicide to fight against infections[3]. Also, it helps restore the nail's natural color. This oil is inexpensive in comparison with others; so many people nowadays consider using it on how to get rid of yellow nails instead of expensive cosmetics.
Remedy 1: Tea Tree Oil Only
Things you need
- Some tea tree oil
- An eyedropper
How to do
- Apply some fresh tea tree oil to your nails using the eyedropper and massage gently
- Let it stay for a few minutes
- Wash it off with tepid water
- Do this process twice per day in a few months until you see the improvement.
Remedy 2: Tea Tree Oil And Olive Oil
Things you need
- Several drops of tea tree oil
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- A cotton ball
How to do
- Pour olive oil into a small bowl
- Add tea tree oil to this bowl and mix them well
- Soak a cotton ball into the mixture and apply it to your nails on hands and feet
- Rinse it off after 5 minutes with warm water
- Apply this remedy twice a day to remove yellow nails.
2. Toothpaste
Toothpaste can help to eliminate the yellow stains on your nails and whiten them gradually. It contains a bleaching element, called peroxide, which may help to lighten your nails and teeth naturally and effectively[4].
Things you need
- A little toothpaste
- A nail brush
- Cotton balls
How to do
- Apply some toothpaste to your nails on hands and feet and let it stay for about 10 minutes
- Gently scrub your nails using the nail brush
- Soak the cotton balls into the warm water and use them to wash off the toothpaste
- Apply this remedy every 2 or 3 days in at least one month for the best result.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Thanks to its antifungal and antiseptic properties, hydrogen peroxide may help to treat the fungus and bacteria causing yellow nails very quickly[5]. This ingredient will not only help you to address the yellow nails but also make them grow stronger. If you keep applying the hydrogen peroxide remedies for about two months, you will achieve the desired result.
Remedy 1: Hydrogen Peroxide And Apple Cider Vinegar
Things you need
- 3% hydrogen peroxide (stronger hydrogen peroxide will damage your skin)
- Apple cider vinegar
- Distilled water
- Tissues
- A plastic tub
How to do
- Prepare a plastic tub
- Mix hydrogen peroxide, apple cider vinegar and distilled water in equal amounts in this tub
- Soak your yellow nails into this mixture and let them stay for 10 minutes
- Use tissues to dry your nails
Remedy 2: Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda
Things you need
- 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide (3% )
- A half-cup of baking soda
- A quarter cup of white vinegar
- A half-cup of Epsom salt
- 4 cups of tepid water
- A plastic tub
- Tissues
How to do
- In the plastic tub, mix peroxide, baking soda, white vinegar, Epsom salt, and water well.
- Dip your nails into this mixture
- Let it stay for about 10 minutes
- Use tissues to dry your nails
4. Lemon Juice
Lemon acts as a bleaching agent, so it helps to cleanse all of the yellow stains in your nails. Moreover, lemon is a rich source of vitamin C; thereby, it helps your nails to thrive.
Here is how to remove yellow nails with this juice:
Remedy 1: Lemon Juice
Things you need
- A half bowl of lemon juice
- A soft toothbrush
- A moisturizing lotion
How to do
- Dip your nails into the bowl of lemon juice for about 15 minutes
- Gently scrub your nails using a soft toothbrush
- Wash your hands with tepid water
- Apply a natural moisturizer to nourish your nails.
Remedy 2: Lemon Essential Oil
Things you need
- Some lemon essential oil
- Water
- A shallow bowl
- A soft toothbrush
How to do
- Add some lemon oil to a bowl and fill it up with water
- Dip your nails into this water for a few minutes
- Scrub your nails using a soft toothbrush within one or two minutes
- Wash your hands and feet with fresh water
- Applying this remedy twice per day in several weeks will bring you a good result.
Try to apply the above remedies as often as possible to remove yellow nails effectively and quickly. If you have any questions or other ways on how to get rid of yellow nails, you can leave your comments under this article. We are always pleased to hear from you.
All content provided is for informational and educational purposes. We recommend you consult a healthcare professional to determine which method is appropriate for you.