Yellowing of the fingernails can be attributed to factors such as low iron, fingernail polish, smoking and fungal infection. According to Coyle S. Connolly, D.O., a condition called onychomycosis is the main reason for nails to become yellow, and left untreated, it can spread to the other fingernails and even your toenails. Proper nail care can reverse yellowing. In some cases, yellowing may require medical intervention.
Step 1
Wash your hands frequently after restroom visits, food handling and household chores. Washing your hands will prevent the spreading of bacteria and slough off the outer layers of discolored nails when scrubbing with antibacterial soap and water. According to the Doctor's Book of Home Remedies, it is important to examine nails and surrounding skin for any sign of rash or infection.
Step 2
Moisturize your nails and hands after washing and nail polish removal. Keeping nails moisturized will keep yellow discoloration at bay and help keep nails healthy. According to the Mayo Clinic, your fingernails require moisture, just as your skin does.
Step 3
Mix equal parts lemon juice and water in a small bowl and using a cotton ball, wipe across nails and allow to air dry. According to the Doctor's Book of Home Remedies, superficial staining of the nails responds well to treatment with lemon juice. Moisturize your nails immediately after they have air dried, and repeat the process after 48 hours.
Step 4
Apply hydrogen peroxide to the underside and top of of your nails every other day for three weeks, suggests cosmetology school director Rita Johnson in an excerpt from the Doctor's Book of Home Remedies. She suggests mixing one tbsp. hydrogen peroxide with three tbsp. of baking soda and applying it to the nails with a cotton swab. Leave it on for three to five minutes, and then rinse it off. Follow immediately with moisturizer.
Step 5
Take a daily iron supplement, also called ferrous sulfate. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ferrous sulfate should be taken on an empty stomach once daily. If stomach upset occurs, discontinue use and opt for iron-rich foods such as legumes, green leafy vegetables, liver, poultry and eggs.
Step 6
Apply an antifungal cream to the nails and nail bed to destroy fungus and eliminate discoloration. According to the Mayo Clinic, you may require medical attention for fungal nail infection, so do not use any products without first consulting your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Water
- Moisturizer
- Lemon juice
- Water
- Cotton balls
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Baking soda
- Iron supplements
- Antifungal nail cream
References
- Mayo Clinic: Nails: How to Keep Your Nails Healthy
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Iron Deficiency
- Doctors Book of Home Remedies 2002 Rodale Inc, Page 411-413
