When the warmer weather arrives it's nice to wear sandals, flip flops and open toe shoes, but you need to make sure your toenails are in order. Although nails turn yellow from many different causes, it is easy to prevent the problem and clean them. Read on for more details.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Clean Yellowed Nails
Step 1. Keep in mind that this blemish is often the result of a fungal infection
Fungi thrive in humid environments with a high pH, and sweat-soaked socks are the perfect place for them to settle and develop. Usually, the infection presents with other symptoms, such as thickened, brittle and brittle nails, which can also crumble. However, there are other less common reasons that can cause nails to turn yellow, including:
- Frequent use of nail polish, which leaves some color on the nails;
- Diabetes;
- Yellow nail syndrome, a genetic disorder;
- Lymphedema (chronic swelling of the legs).
Step 2. Try antifungal creams if the ailment is mild
If the nail is not brittle or chipped, you can fight the infection with ointments available at the pharmacy without a prescription. Among the most common are Canesten and Trosyd, which need to be applied twice a day for several weeks.
Step 3. See your doctor or podiatrist for a prescription for medication
Although there are several antifungal creams available for sale, you should still visit your doctor to get a product strong enough to fight the fungal infection that has developed under the nail. Among the most popular medicines are:
Cyclopirox (Batrafen), itraconazole (Sporanox) or terbinafine (Lamisil)
Step 4. Be aware that treating yeast infections takes time
You have to kill the entire colony to get rid of the infection or simply make it regress. Continue to treat yourself until you are certain that the problem has been completely eradicated and be patient, as it will take several months.
If your nails are still yellow or brittle after several weeks, you need to make an appointment with the podiatrist
Step 5. Undergo surgery to remove the nail if you cannot walk for a long time without pain
This should be considered a last resort and you will have to wait up to a year for a new nail to grow back; however, if the problem is severe enough to compromise the quality of your life, it is best to opt for this solution.
Method 2 of 3: Preventing Yellowed Nails
Step 1. Stop smoking
Smoking causes spots on the skin, nails and tends to dull the hair; reducing the number of cigarettes is therefore the quickest way to restore nails to their natural color.
Step 2. Apply less polish
This product can stain them and reduce oxygen supply, resulting in infections. Give your nails at least two days a week without polish; this way, you keep them even healthier.
Step 3. Change dirty, sweat-soaked socks
This is an ideal environment for fungal development; if your feet are constantly in wet and dirty socks, you should not be surprised if a fungal infection is triggered; So take the time to wear clean, dry socks whenever possible.
Step 4. Wear breathable footwear
Sneakers, open toe shoes, and almost all sports shoes are made of woven fabric or breathable material that let air circulate between the toes, which is essential for maintaining healthy nails.
Step 5. Wash your feet and fingers carefully when taking a shower
Don't forget to scrub them every time you wash, to get rid of bacteria, fungi and dirt; make a conscious effort to remember this body part as well during your personal hygiene routine.
Method 3 of 3: Home Remedies to Fight Yellowing Nails
Step 1. Make a homemade antifungal paste
Pour 35-40 g of baking soda into a small bowl and add 15 ml of hydrogen peroxide; mix well and dip a cotton ball into the mixture. Then apply the cotton on your nails, let it act for 5 minutes and then rinse carefully; repeat every day.
You can also use these two products separately, if you only have one; simply add it to a little water in a cup and apply it on the affected nail
Step 2. Take a vinegar foot bath
Mix 3 parts of water with 1 of vinegar and put the mixture in a large bowl; soak your feet and let them soak for 4-5 minutes once a day, to lower the pH of the nails and fight mycosis.
Step 3. Use lemon juice to get rid of stains
Dip your nails in the juice to get rid of the yellow color. Soak them for 10-15 minutes every day until you are happy with the results.
Step 4. Try whitening toothpaste
If you want to get an immediate effect, like when you want to remove the residual pink color after removing the red nail polish, try rubbing some of this toothpaste on the nails with a nail brush; keep in mind, however, that this remedy is not suitable for established stains.
Step 5. Try smoothing them lightly for temporary results
Yellowing spots are found on the upper layer of the nails; by smoothing them with a fine sandpaper you should be able to get rid of this external film, thus also eliminating the stains. However, this is not recommended, as you may weaken your nails. if you still opt for this solution, then apply a transparent reinforcing nail polish.
