Why is my Toenail Yellow?
Healthy nails are colorless or transparent in color and are smooth, without visible cracks, indentations, or ridges. Yellow toenails represent an extremely common condition but have several latent factors for the condition.
Aging :
As we age, the color, thickness, and shape of our nails tend to change. Many aging individuals will find a more yellow appearance to their toenails over time.
Nail Polish :
If you have painted your toenails several times with red or orange nail polish, then it is likely to become discolored. Stopping the use of nail polish for some time should help the yellow color go away.
Health Condition:
In themselves, yellow toenails are not dangerous, but they are the signal of some hidden medical condition. One very rare disorder called yellow nail syndrome (YNS) can produce yellow, curved, and thickened nails that grow slowly, along with respiratory problems.
Infection:
The most common reason for yellow toenails is a fungus infection, medically described as onychomycosis. This infection is most commonly caused by dermatophyte fungi, which feed on keratin, and discolors the nail to a yellow color, white, or even black.
State of having poor circulation, diabetes, or exposure to moist environments puts one at risk for a fungal nail infection.
Remedies for Yellow Toenails
Most cases of yellow toenails can be treated effectively. The treatment option is determined based on the underlying cause by the advising doctor.
Many patients with fungi in the infection will usually be prescribed the medications that are against fungi. These are the topical applications such as ciclopirox 8% and oral medications. Some studies have also reported that antibiotics, such as clarithromycin, may be effective to clear the yellow toenail, particularly if the body is experiencing another infection.
A few home remedies are moderately effective and include Vicks VapoRub and tea tree oil. According to some studies, more than a quarter of the people suffering from these yellow toenail disorders were cured by using Vicks VapoRub.
Prevention
You can’t prevent yellow toenails altogether, yet you can take steps to lower your risk:
Wear well-fitting shoes, giving plenty of consideration to toe room. Cut your toenails straight across, using a clean clipper. Keep nails and feet clean and dry. Be cautious if getting professional pedicures; the salon should be clean and have good sanitation. Dry out your shoes after activities so moisture doesn’t collect inside them. Wear clean socks regularly.
Adequately, this will help in ensuring one keeps checking the nails regularly for changes or anything of concern and may seek medical help fast enough. This will help in treating the issue effectively with the aspect of early detection.
When to See a Doctor
If you feel that your toenails have started to turn yellow, it would be best to get them checked by a podiatrist or your primary care physician. Yellow toenails are a condition that might be created due to aging or nail polish, but it can also be due to a deadly underlying health problem.
Watch out for the following signs that you need to visit your doctor:
- The nail is deformed or has a change in its thickness
- Bleeding or discharge from around the nails
- Pain or swelling around the nails
- Foul odor
- The yellow color becomes marked or spreads
Your doctor may examine the nail, sometimes do tests, and if possible make a specific diagnosis through this. He can then prescribe medication, which may include antifungal medication, treatment of an underlying disease process, or some other combination of Ex:
Do not overlook yellow toenails as they can be symptomatic of something that does require your attention medically. It is important to get proper care without any further delay to help restore the health as well as the appearance of your nails.
Conclusion
Toenails can color yellow very commonly due to aging, nail polish, fungal infections, and underlying diseases. Since a yellowish discoloration of toenails cannot specifically be said to be harmful, it cannot be ignored because it may be an indicator of some serious underlying problem.
Fortunately, there are quite effective treatments available, starting from antifungal drugs to home remedies. Preventive measures, such as good care of the nails and hygiene of the feet, will also help save one from the problem of having yellow toenails.
Don’t ever hesitate to seek the services of a podiatrist or your general healthcare provider if you are becoming conscious of discoloration or even deterioration in the toenail. Acceptable diagnosis and treatment in the right way can make your nails regain their actual health and clarity.
