How to Remedy Yellow and Stained Nails at Home

A person suffering from the yellow nails problem will opt to hide it all with a bright nail polish, but this just hinders healthy nail growth. If your nails have had better days, this can be embarrassing. The causes of yellowing and discolored nails include many factors but can often be narrowed down to a few main culprits.

Frequent use of nail polish especially the darker shades. The color pigments that are used to manufacture nail polish stain any nails after an extended period. You can stop this from becoming your poor nails by using a clear bottom coat of polish before applying color.

If you follow this nail polish application method to the letter and the nails still have that yellowing color, then there’s a possibility of a more serious cause. Fungal nail infections, nail psoriasis, smoking, jaundice (a condition causing yellowing of the skin), lymphedema (a condition causing swelling of the skin), Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses), tuberculosis (a lung bacterial infection), chronic paronychia (nail fold infection) and other less than ideal lifestyle choices.

Nails being a non-living part of your body, the treatment of nail yellowing can take a longer period. The best you can do is identify the cause, treat it and the wait for your nails to regain their natural color.

How to Prevent Yellow Nails

Wear shoes that allow air to circulate. This will increase the fresh air to your otherwise suffocated skin cells and nails. When you contain your feet for long periods of time, moisture and bacteria can thrive, causing a strew of issues.

Do not walk barefoot in public places and wet grounds. This is a major no-no. Not only is it hard on your feet, causing cracks and cuts, but it attracts dirt and other unwanted substances that you can then bring into your home.

Ensure the socks you wear are clean. You wear a single pair of socks all day long. They accumulate sweat and dirt. So why would you wear them again the next day? You’re just asking for a nail infection and horrible foot odor.

READ Nail Fungus Treatment

Do not share towels or clothing when recovering from a fungal infection. If you have some sort of infection of the nail or athlete’s foot, prevent the spread of this in your household by using fresh towels and socks every day. You may get rid of the issue, but if you’ve passed it to a family member, you can easily get it again.

Maintain proper nail hygiene by keeping your nails clean and dry. After each shower, use proper nail tools to scrape and clean under and around both your toe and finger nails. Then be sure to rinse afterward.

Wear slippers or sandals when using public showers. These are breeding grounds for a long list of fungal diseases. Never get caught without some protection for your feet.

Home Remedies to Treat the Yellowing

1.      A Little Bit of Lemon

Lemon juice acts as a natural bleach on finger and toe nails. This juice has astringent properties which clean off the stains off of nails. Pour lemon juice into a tiny basin and submerse the nails for fifteen to twenty minutes. Gently rub the nails using an unused toothbrush or cloth, then wash them using warm water. Dry the nails and apply some lotion to moisturize them. Do this two time a day until you get satisfying results.

2.      Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a remedy used for clearing stains caused by fungal infection and promotes healthy nail growth. Mix apple cider vinegar and water (equal amounts of both) and soak your nails in this mixture for fifteen to twenty minutes. Then dry your nails with a clean towel. Repeat this twice or thrice daily for a month and see your nails brighten.

3.      Hydrogen Peroxide

The brightening qualities of this substance will do the trick for a person with yellowed and badly stained nails. Fill a small basin with 3 percent of hydrogen peroxide (make a solution of 4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with twice as much water) submerse your nails in the liquid for five minutes and then gently scrub with a toothbrush. Then wash your nails with warm water. Do this one time each week until you get the desired results.

In the case of really bad stains, apply the 3 percent of hydrogen peroxide right on the nails and then lightly rub them. Use of hydrogen peroxide will, however, leave your nails dehydrated, but a nice moisturizer will remedy this.

4.      Baking Soda

Thanks to the awesome whitening and scrubbing abilities of baking soda, the removal of stains from the nails is made easy.

Scoop two and a half tbsps of baking soda and then one of hydrogen peroxide in a small dish. Apply the paste on the yellowed nails using cotton swabs or your fingers. Leave it on for at least five minutes. Then wash it all off with warm water. Do this repeatedly at least every six weeks.

Alternatively, you could put one tbsp of baking soda with one-half of extra virgin olive oil and then one of lemon in a small dish to make a super thick paste. Gently place the above mixture on your nails, use a toothbrush or cloth. Give it about five or six minutes, and then use warm water to rinse it off. Repeat this concoction after every fourteen days to improve the state of the nails.

READ Six Diet Tips for Strong and Healthy Nails

5.      Vitamins

Most nail imperfections could be as a result of insufficient vitamins in your body. To correct the state of your nails, ensure your diet has foods rich in Vitamins B and E, zinc, iron, calcium. Vitamins will do your nails and general wellbeing some good.

6.      Essential Oils

Natural oils such as that of tea tree are super effective in removing yellow stains from a fungus related infection. The smell of these essential oils is excellent. This scent might help you enjoy trying out this remedy.

Dilute the essential oil of your choice with water and then apply it to your nails and skin around them. Give it about 5 to 10 minutes. Finally use warm water to rinse off. Repeat this two time each day, and you will see your nails become whiter than ever before.

Alternatively, mix tea tree oil and with another essential oil of your choice (equal measures of both). Use a cotton swab to apply the solution to your nails. Do this twice daily for best results.

READ Tips for Healthy Strong Nails

7.      Toothpaste with Whitening Properties

Toothpaste that has a whitening property is an effective stain remover from nails. For really difficult stains, you can use toothpaste and hydrogen peroxide in it.

Apply a modest layer of toothpaste on the nails. Leave it on for at least three minutes. Scrub your nails gently using a brush. Wipe off the toothpaste using cotton swabs soaked in warm water. Do this twice a week for about 4-6 weeks.

8.      Denture Cleaning Products

Denture cleaning products contain something called sodium bicarbonate along with citric acid that help in stain removal. Dissolve the product in a dish of warm water. Immerse your stained nails for 10 to 15 minutes. Finally, rinse off the solution from the nails using warm water and apply your preferred moisturizer. For best results repeat this remedy at least three times a week.