Yellow nails not only look unsightly and unattractive, but they could also indicate various underlying medical conditions that need to be investigated and resolved. Yellow nails can be a result of a fungal infection. Many people also develop yellow and discoloured nails due to smoking excessively.
Women may find their nails turning yellow due to excessive application of nail polish without applying a base coat first. So, if you have yellow nails that are causing you a lot of embarrassment and concern, it is time for adopting some remedial measures. Before learning about some natural treatments, it is necessary to understand that our nails are not made up of live cells as is our skin.
Therefore, it is not so easy to treat the problem directly unless we actually learn what is causing the problem and then go about using the specific treatment for your yellow nails. In some extreme cases, one has to wait for the natural nail growth in order to get back the normal white and shiny nails.
Now, let’s take a look at the various natural treatments that can help treat yellow nails. These treatments should also be complimented by following proper hygiene, and taking steps like avoiding smoking or nail polish so that your nails do not turn yellow again.
10 Natural Treatments For Yellow Nails
Lemon Juice
Fresh lemon juice is one of the simplest and inexpensive natural treatments for yellow nails. Just slice a lemon and squeeze out the fresh, tangy juice in a small bowl. You can dip your yellow nails in this juice for a few minutes and then wash it off.
Apply a moisturizer as this application can make your skin and nails dry. Another way to do it is to just scrub your nails with a toothbrush that has been dipped in the lemon juice. This will help remove the yellow stains from your nails.
Oregano Essential Oil
Another very effective natural treatment for yellow nails involves the use of oregano essential oil. This oil has strong antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, and aids in fighting fungus that can also cause yellow nails. It is rather strong in composition, so just mix two drops of oregano oil with a teaspoon of olive oil.
Apply on the yellow nails and wash off after five to ten minutes. This application should be done daily for maximum three weeks in order to treat the infection that has turned your nails yellow.
Juniper Berries
Juniper berries are also useful as a natural treatment for yellow nails. Add a teaspoon of crushed juniper berries to a bowl of warm water. Soak your yellow nails in the bowl for a few minutes.
Wash with plain water and dry your fingers well. This application should be done daily till the yellow color fades away and you get back the natural white color.
Hydrogen Peroxide And Baking Soda Mixture
This is a very effective natural treatment for yellow nails that is widely used by many people. Add a tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide and three tablespoons of baking powder to a small bowl. Add a little amount of warm water to make a smooth paste.
Apply this paste under your nails and all over them. Use a toothbrush to scrub the yellow nails gently. Wash with warm water after two minutes. Follow up with a gentle massage using a moisturizer. This mixture should be applied twice a week in order to turn your nails white from yellow.
inger Tea
Ginger has strong antimicrobial properties that help to prevent fungal infections in your nails, thus preventing them from turning yellow.
This natural treatment is very beneficial to those people who have a weak immune system and often suffer from fungal infections, resulting in yellow nails. Drink a few cups of ginger tea regularly in order to prevent your nails from turning yellow due to fungal infections.
Light Buffing And Moisturizing
Buffing your nails from time to time will help to prevent yellowness by increasing the circulation. Buff your nails smooth until you get a nice shine. Do not buff too deep as it can weaken your nails.
After buffering, use a natural moisturizer like olive or almond oil as it helps to keep your nails conditioned and protects your fingernails from factors that can turn them yellow. Also, use only good quality nail polish and removers, although as sparingly as possible. Avoid dark colors as they tend to turn your nails yellow.
Whitening PencilsÂ
If your yellow nails are due to aging, there is not much you can do about it. Whitening pencils are useful in these cases, and also as a quick-fix solution sometimes, and can be used to whiten the tips of the yellow nails.
These are quite inexpensive and very easy to use. So, keep one handy if you are suffering from the problem of yellow nails.
HomeopathyÂ
Homeopathy uses natural medicines to promote healing in your body. There are a variety of homeopathic medicines that can be used to treat yellow nails according to the symptoms observed. Understand your nail problems and use a homeopathic remedy accordingly.
It is best to check with a homeopathic practitioner and get the right medication for yourself as different combinations of problems might be affecting you. Anitonium crudum, thuja, graphites and belladonna are some of the remedies that help treat nail problems and might be prescribed for your yellow nails.
Take Supplements
If your nails are turning yellow, it could be due to lack of vitamin E and zinc in your body. Taking these supplements will help treat the problem of yellow nails. You can take these regularly in order to maintain your white nails and prevent them from turning yellow.
Seafood, wheat germ, spinach, pumpkin seeds, nuts, etc. can be consumed on regular basis as they are rich in zinc content. Almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and dried apricots are some of the best natural sources of vitamin E.
Maintain Good Hands And Nail Hygiene
Not taking good care of your hands and nails can result in your nails turning yellow. Therefore, maintain good hygiene by washing your hands well with soap and warm water. Scrub your nails well in order to remove the dirt and microbes lurking under them.
Dry your hands well and apply a moisturizer in order to keep your skin and nails well hydrated. Use petroleum jelly or other natural oils for this purpose. Trim your nails often, and avoid biting them.
Caution: Please use Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.