Yellow toe nails are a symptom of a fungal nail infection. Infected nails may also be thickened, brittle, crumbly, dull, misshapen, curled, loose or producing an unpleasant odor. However, there may be no other symptoms. Anyone can get a fungal toe nail infection, but they typically affect people over 60 and are more common in men and those with diabetes and circulatory impairment, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, or AAFP. See your doctor for diagnosis and treatment of yellow toe nails.
Step 1
Soak your feet in a vinegar bath for 15 to 20 minutes daily. This is believed to inhibit the growth of nail fungus, states MayoClinic.com. Make the foot bath with one part vinegar, two parts warm water. If the vinegar foot bath causes irritation, cut back to soaking only two or three times a week.
Step 2
Have part of the infected toe nails removed if your doctor thinks this is an appropriate treatment. Having the nails filed down, cut or dissolved with a mixture of urea and bifonazole is often the first step in treatment, explains Aetna InteliHealth.
Step 3
Apply a prescription antifungal nail polish if your doctor prescribes one. These can be effective for mild to moderate infections, notes MayoClinic.com. Ciclopirox or amorolfine are the active ingredients used in these lacquers, says Aetna InteliHealth.
Step 4
Take a prescription oral antifungal medication if your doctor advises it. Terbinafine and itraconazole are the most effective, according to MayoClinic.com. However, these successfully eliminate fungal nail infections in only about half of patients, points out MedlinePlus. The typical regimen lasts anywhere from six to 12 weeks, but can last 16 weeks or longer, depending on the severity of the infection.
Step 5
Follow any regimen of topical cream treatments prescribed in conjunction with oral antifungal medications. In addition, your doctor may recommend applying a cream containing urea to promote absorption of topical treatments, says MayoClinic.com.
Step 6
Have yellow toe nails removed surgically if your doctor thinks it necessary. This is generally reserved for severe infections that don't respond to other treatments. A new, healthy toe nail usually grows in, but it can take up to a year, according to MedlinePlus.
Tips and Warnings
- There is anecdotal, but not scientific, evidence that Vicks VapoRub helps to treat nail fungus, according to MayoClinic.com. There is no official recommendation for how often it should be applied, so ask your doctor for a suggestion.
- Patients with a history of liver problems or congestive heart failure should not take prescription oral antifungal medications, cautions AAFP. Rashes and liver damage are possible side effects.
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