Yellow nails? Maybe you have a nail fungus infection
Healthy nails have a pinkish hue and shiny appearance. If you have yellow spots, or markings on your nail, this can be an indicator of a nail fungus infection, called Onychomycosis.
Onychomycosis is a common nail disorder caused by fungal organisms (the most common being dermatophytes), yeasts and molds.
Many nail fungus infections are caused by the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot. They are more common in toenails than fingernails and tend to affect older people more than younger.
Having yellow nails is only one of the symptoms of a nail fungus infection, other symptoms to look out for include:
- Thickening of the nail.
- Build-up of debris under the nail.
- Changes in texture, loss of shine and clarity.
- Brittleness and crumbling at the edges of the nail.
- Small separations of the nail plate from the nail bed.
In addition to nail fungus infection yellow nails can occur if you wear very dark nail polish for an extended period of tine without using a protective basecoat. The constant use of nail polish can deprive nails of the oxygen they need to maintain a natural color and good health. This can be compounded by a yellow stain from the polish. Leave your nails unpolished for a while and they will quickly revert to your normal nail color.
Yellow fingernails are also a common side effect from smoking. The tar and nicotine in cigarettes stains the fingernails and skin around the fingers that hold the cigarette. Smoking can also cause a more generalized oxygen deprivation that results in nails taking on a yellow-hue.
Yellow nails also result from a specific condition known as Yellow Nail Syndrome, a rare disease often associated with lymphatic disorders, lung disease and compromised respiration. Please remember to consult your doctor for all cases nail abnormality as it is important to get an accurate diagnosis before seeking treatment.
If the cause of your yellow nails is a nail fungus infection, the good news is that the condition is treatable. We encourage you to read our reviews of nail fungus treatments so that you are informed of what is available from oral medications to topical treatments as well as home remedies using ingredients and products that are common staples in most households. Some contain known antifungal agents while others focus more on prevention and overall nail health.
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Information on this site is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional medical advice and should not be used to substitute for a doctor's recommendation. Please read our Disclaimer.
