1. What are yellow nails?

Yellow nails are a condition in which your nails lose their natural color and take on a yellowish tint. This can have different causes and vary in severity. It occurs in people of all ages. There are many possible causes for yellow nails, such as smoking, medical conditions, fungal infections, etc. It is important to identify the cause and get the proper treatment. Yellow nails are often a sign of an underlying health problem, so it’s important to see a doctor if you experience persistent or severe nail discoloration.

2. Symptoms of yellow nails

It is important to understand that yellow nails can be a symptom of several underlying causes, such as smoking, health problems, fungal or bacterial infection, etc. Below are several possible symptoms of yellow nails:

• Your nails may become thicker and uneven.
• They take on a yellowish tint, ranging from pale yellow to dark yellow.
• In some cases, there may be an unpleasant odor.
• Your nails become brittle and break or chip easily.
• In some cases, the nail bed may show a yellow discoloration.

3. The different causes of yellow nails

Yellow nails can have a variety of causes. In some cases, yellow nails can be prevented, but sometimes they’re the result of an underlying condition that can’t be addressed. Below, we’ll take a closer look at the most common factors that can cause yellow nails.

3.1 Semi-permanent varnish colors

Some gel polishes contain colorants that cause yellow stains on the nail plate. These stains are usually caused by colorants found in red and yellow gel polishes. These colorants are listed on the ingredient label and can be recognized by the following color cues:

• Red: 15850 
• Yellow: 19140.

3.2 Smoking

Yellow nails are common in smokers. This is due to repeated exposure to tobacco smoke.

3.3 Fungal infection

Fungal infections can cause nails to turn yellow. In addition, nails become thicker, rougher, brittle, and lumpy. In cases of severe fungal infection, nails may even completely or partially peel off.

3.4 Diseases

Nail discoloration can result from a variety of medical conditions, including:

• Lung disease
• Liver disease
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• Psoriasis
• …

3.5 Yellow nail syndrome

Yellow nail syndrome is a very rare condition with an unknown cause. This condition can result in thickened nails, possible loosening of the nails, yellow discoloration, and/or delayed nail growth.

4. What to do with yellow nails?

Treatment for yellow nails depends on the cause. If the discoloration is due to a specific disease, fungus, or yellow nail syndrome, it’s important to contact your doctor for proper treatment. We also recommend consulting your doctor if your discoloration is persistent and severe. Below are some tips if your nail discoloration is due to gel polish and smoking:

• Gently rub your nails with toothpaste and a toothbrush, as toothpaste has a whitening effect.
• Soak your nails in a bowl of warm water and lemon juice to reduce discoloration.
• Place one dental cleaning tablet in a bowl of warm water, let the tablet dissolve, and soak your nails in the bowl for 5 minutes.