Discoloration of the nails can reveal a lot about a person’s health. Yellow nails can be a sign of a fungal infection or malnutrition. Whatever is the case for your yellowing nails, there is more than likely an all-natural home remedy for the issue. Continue reading and find out seven different ways you can help treat yellow nails.
Vinegar Soak
A common fungal infection called Onychomycosis could be one reason your nails are yellow. Onychomycosis can sometimes develop from Athlete’s Foot by spreading from the skin to the toenails.
Treat this fungus with vinegar by combining equal parts water and vinegar. Use 1-2 cups of each. Soak your feet for 10-20 minutes up to twice a day.
Lemon Juice
One way to bleach your nails naturally is with lemon juice. The acidity will help rid your nails of the ugly yellow color. Soak your nails in a small bowl of lemon juice for about 15 minutes, then use a toothbrush to scrub your nails. Rinse off with warm water. Do this up to twice a day for several weeks to see results.
Avoid Harmful Nail Products
Many nail polish brands contain harmful chemicals such as Formaldehyde, which can cause your nails to turn yellow if used over a prolonged period of time. It is recommended to remove polish and rest your nails between applications to avoid prolonged use. Alternatively, look for brands that avoid using chemicals in their products.
Eat Healthy
Discolored nails could be a sign of malnutrition, as yellowing nails are a signal that you are not getting enough vitamins and minerals in your diet.
Be sure to eat a balanced diet that includes a healthy mix of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein.
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Yellow nails don’t always appear because of health issues. They could be discolored from the overuse of certain nail polishes or cleaning products. To help bleach and exfoliate your nails naturally, use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to do the job.
Combine baking soda (2 ½ tbsp) and three percent hydrogen peroxide (1 tbsp) in a small container. Use a cotton swab to apply the mixture to your nails. After four minutes, rinse with warm water. Only use this treatment once every six weeks.
Tea Tree Oil
Enzymes in tea tree oil are helpful when battling staph infections (another cause of yellowing) in your nails. Twice a day, use a cotton swab that has been soaked in tea tree oil to cover the affected nails. Over time, you should notice the yellow tinge fading.
Juniper Berries
In a 2005 study, juniper essential oil was shown to have strong anti-fungal properties. Crush juniper berries and add them to warm water. Soak your nails for 20 minutes then rinse off your hands. If used daily, this treatment should help improve the state of your nails.
With proper podiatry care, you can avoid having yellow nails. Be sure to clean your hands and feet every day in case you have come into contact with a fungus. Before visiting a nail salon, you can check online for reviews and ensure the salon uses proper sanitary practices.
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Sources: [Girirajan Laboratory, Huffington Post, National Institute of Health, NLDA, Prevention, Virginia Commonwealth University]
