Yellow fingernails: it may be because of this
Yellow fingernails are an ugly thing. However, the reasons for this are usually only external and therefore easy to remedy. Here we clarify possible causes and the right treatment.
Possible reasons for yellow fingernails
The cause of yellow fingernails are mostly external and therefore harmless. Only in a few cases are they symptoms of a serious illness.
- Smokers often have yellow fingernails because nicotine sticks to your nails. Here especially on the hand with which the cigarette is held.
- Medicines or cosmetic products with silver nitrate also cause yellow fingernails. Old nail polish with this ingredient is often a possible reason for the discoloration.
- Tangerines and oranges quickly color your hands and nails when you peel them.
- Yellow fingernails can also be an indication of improper nutrition.
- But they can also be a sign of nail fungus, lymphedema, psoriasis or respiratory diseases. Yellow nails are also a symptom of jaundice liver disease.
- If you have excluded external influences for your yellow nails, you should definitely consult a doctor.
How to get rid of yellow fingernails
The causes of yellow fingernails are very different, and so is the way you get healthy-looking nails again.
- Quit smoking or switch to an e-cigarette.
- If nail fungus is the reason for the yellow fingernails, your doctor will give you special ointments or a tincture that will kill the fungus. However, this takes several weeks.
- If cosmetics have discolored your nails, remedy them with home remedies. Soak a cotton swab with lemon juice and use it to clean your nails. Baking soda dissolved in water also makes your nails white again.
- If you suffer from a deficiency symptom, the increased intake of vitamin E may help here. You can find this in salmon, peppers, currants and nuts.
In the next article you will read what you can do with splitting fingernails.