What are the causes and solutions of yellowing nails?
Healthy nails are important, both in terms of aesthetics and the general health of the body. However, in some cases, the health of our nails can deteriorate and this can manifest as yellowing of the nails. Yellowing nails is a common problem experienced by many and can be caused by more than one reason.
It is important to learn about the factors that cause yellowing of our nails and what we can do to prevent yellowing nails to protect our nail health. In this article, we will share the causes of yellow nails and our recommendations for nail health. If you’re ready, let’s take a look at what you need to know for nail health.
What is Yellowing Nails?
Nails are an important indicator that gives clues about our health. Healthy nails are usually smooth, white or pale pink in color and shiny. However, in some cases, the nails may turn yellow or yellowish. This condition is known as yellow nails.
Yellowing nails usually occur when there is a problem with the nail plate, nail bed, or under the cuticle. The causes of yellow nails can be external factors (smoking, exposure to sunlight, exposure to chlorinated water, etc.) and internal factors (some diseases, vitamin deficiency, dietary habits, drug use, etc.).
Symptoms of yellow nails often include changes such as a yellowish color of the nails, thickening or cracking of the nails. Yellowing nails are a serious concern for nail health and appearance.
Whatever the cause of yellow nails, early diagnosis and treatment can help nails regain a healthy color and appearance. Taking good care of nail health can help keep nails stronger, healthier and prevent them from turning yellow.
External factors that affect yellowing nails
External factors are also among the causes of yellow nails. External factors can cause the nails to turn yellow because the conditions around the nails damage the nails. Here are external factors that cause yellowing nails:
Smoking
Smoking is the most common external factor that can cause yellowing nails. Smoking can lead to yellow spots on the nails, discoloration of the nails and even brittle nails.
Exposure to sunlight
Sun rays can cause discoloration and yellowing of the nails. Exposure to sunlight can cause the nails to lose their natural moisture, which can lead to dry and yellow nails.
Swimming in chlorinated water
Chlorinated water can strip the nails’ natural oils, causing them to dry out. Dry nails can crack or break. Chlorinated water can also cause nails to turn yellow.
Prolonged use of nail polish
Prolonged use of nail polish can cause yellowing, discoloration and breakage of the nails. The chemicals in nail polishes can weaken the nail plate, causing the nails to lose their natural color.
Internal factors that affect yellowing nails
Internal factors are also among the causes of yellow nails. Internal factors are factors that cause changes in the nails, such as health problems, nutritional deficiencies or drug use. Here are the internal factors that cause yellowing nails:
Some diseases
Certain health conditions, such as lung disease, liver disease, diabetes, kidney failure, and thyroid disease, can cause nails to turn yellow. These diseases can cause the nails to lose their natural color by disrupting your body’s vitamin and mineral balance.
Vitamin deficiency
Nails are an indicator of your body’s vitamin and mineral balance. Deficiencies can cause discoloration and yellowing of the nails. In particular, vitamin B and vitamin D deficiencies can cause nails to turn yellow.
Feeding habits
Unbalanced and poor dietary habits can negatively affect nail health. In particular, insufficient protein intake can cause limp and yellow nails.
Drug use
Some medications have side effects that can cause nails to turn yellow. In particular, certain medications such as chemotherapy, sedatives, antibiotics and heart medications can cause nails to lose their natural color.
These internal factors are other factors that can cause nails to turn yellow. However, not all of these factors can affect the health of your nails. Taking care of the health of your nails can help keep them stronger, healthier and prevent your nails from turning yellow.
Ways to prevent yellow nails
Keeping nails healthy and beautiful is possible with a healthy lifestyle and regular care. To prevent yellowing nails, you can follow these recommendations:
1. Wash hands regularly
Regular hand washing can keep nails clean and prevent bacteria from damaging the nails.
2. Use hand guard
It may be necessary to use a hand guard to protect the skin around the nails. It is important for nail health to use hand guards, especially when working with household chores or chemicals.
3. Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption
Smoking and alcohol consumption can cause nails to lose their natural color and damage nail health. Therefore, reducing or completely stopping smoking and alcohol consumption can be beneficial for nail health.
4. Regular nail clipping and care
Regular nail trimming is important for nail health. Also, keeping nails clean and cared for can help strengthen nails and prevent yellowing.
5. Keep nails hydrated
Maintaining the natural moisture of your nails is important to keep nails healthy. One way to do this is to moisturize the nails regularly with a moisturizer.
Yellowing nail treatment methods
Yellowing nails is a condition that can occur for many different reasons. After determining the cause of the yellowing of the nails, the method of treatment can also be determined. Here are the methods used to treat yellowing nails:
Nail care
Regular maintenance of nails is important to prevent yellowing nails. Keeping nails clean and trimmed regularly can help keep nails healthy.
Products for coating nails
Nail polish products can be used to prevent yellowing nails. In particular, some nail coating products can help strengthen nails, making them look healthier.
Treatment of ingrown nails
Ingrown toenails are one factor that can cause nails to turn yellow. When ingrown nails are treated, yellowing of the nails is also prevented.
Drug use
In some cases, yellowing nails may be caused by drug use. In this case, the natural color of the nails can be achieved by changing the drug or reducing the dosage.
Hydrate the nails
Moisturizing nails is important to keep nails healthy. Moisturizing the nails prevents the nails from drying out and makes the nails look healthier.
Surgical methods
When yellowing nails is a serious problem, surgical methods can be used. Surgical methods are used to correct the nails and eliminate the problems in the nails.
Treatment for yellow nails can vary depending on the cause of the yellowing of the nails. When yellow nails are a serious problem, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist. Maintaining healthy nails and regular nail care also help keep nails healthy.
Is Yellowing Nails Harmful?
Yellowing of the nails is usually not a serious health problem. However, in some cases, yellowing nails can be a sign of a serious health problem. Therefore, if you insist on your nails turning yellow, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist.
How can the color of my nails change?
The color of the nails can change due to various factors. Factors that can cause your nails to discolor include smoking, exposure to chemicals, vitamin deficiencies, infections, skin diseases, and nail injuries.
What can I do to prevent yellow nails?
To prevent yellowing of the nails, you can follow some steps such as clipping the nails regularly, keeping the nails clean, moisturizing the nails, replenishing the nails with vitamins, protecting the nails from the sun and using the right nail polish.
Is Yellow Nails Temporary?
Nail yellowing can be temporary or permanent. Once the cause of the yellowing nails has been determined, it can be determined whether the yellowing nails will be temporary or permanent. For example, yellowing nails can be temporary due to smoking, while it can be permanent due to infections or skin diseases.
Are there home remedies for yellow nails?
There are many methods of treating yellow nails at home. For example, you can follow some steps such as cleaning the nails, moisturizing the nails, using nail care products and supplementing with vitamins. However, the cause of yellow nails can be a sign of a serious health problem, so it is recommended to talk to your doctor.