Yellow nails: understand what it can be and learn how to treat it

How do you like to maintain your nails: do you paint them frequently or do you prefer to leave them without nail polish? Well, whatever your preference, the important thing is to keep them healthy, right? In fact, when it comes to health, there is a factor that, when it happens, can be accompanied by many doubts: yellow nails.

But, after all, what makes the nail look that shade? If you have already been through this situation, it is normal for some doubts to arise about what causes the yellowing of the nails and, of course, how the most appropriate treatment should be carried out for each situation. In order for you to stay on top of this subject, check out the following information:

Dermatologists clarify doubts about yellow nails

In case you have any nail changes, it is very important to have an evaluation by a dermatologist. To find out more details, we talked to Karen Fernandes da Cunha (CRM: 52919349) and Karina Fernandes (CRM: 52945870), dermatologists at SBD and doctors at Clínica KF Dermatologia.

Can yellow nails be a sign of illness?

Have you noticed that your nails are a different shade? So it’s time to have an appointment with a medical professional, because the yellowish tone can, yes, signal some disease. According to Dr. Karen Fernandes da Cunha, “it is important to pay attention to the color of the nails – which are able, sometimes, to indicate the health of your body”.

What are the main causes?

“We can mention the prolonged use of nail polishes, oral medications, cigarettes, nail infections and also chronic diseases of the respiratory tract”, comments the dermatologist.

What can yellow nails mean during pregnancy?

It is important to note that yellow nails are not physiological manifestations of pregnancy, as explained by Dr. Karina Fernandes. “During this period, we can observe nail fragility (brittle nails) and transverse grooves. If changes in nail color occur during pregnancy, see your dermatologist,” she comments.

Can yellow nails be a sign of anemia?

“Iron deficiency anemia, which is the most common in the population, can change the shape of the nails. In this case, it manifests itself as “nail in spoon” (koilonychous). Changes in nail color can even happen, but they are not so frequent “, says Dr. Karina Fernandes.

Can yellow nails be a sign of ringworm?

“This really can happen. Some fungi are capable of causing a yellowish color in the nails”, says the dermatologist.

What to do when nails turn yellow?

The doctors at Clínica KF Dermatologia emphasize the importance of seeking the help of a dermatologist for a thorough evaluation, which will clarify the cause and also provide the appropriate treatment.

How to treat yellow nails?

The dermatologists also point out that the treatment will depend on the cause and emphasize that, sometimes, additional tests will be necessary. That’s why the importance of having a medical follow-up, as each case needs to be evaluated according to its specificities.

As you can see, nails with a yellowish color can, in certain cases, indicate a disease. That’s why you need to be careful, since taking care of your nails is not just about beauty or vanity, but it’s also related to your health.

Home treatments for yellowed nails: is it safe?

It is worth remembering that changing nail color is not always a sign of health problems. Anyone who is in the habit of applying nail polish with more pigmented tones (such as red or black, for example), runs the risk of getting a yellowish nail, especially if you don’t use a base coat to protect it. This coloring can also arise in other situations, such as applying dye to hair without wearing gloves.

For these situations, some people resort to homemade tips that promise to soften and even eliminate yellowed nails. But can a treatment made with ingredients we have at home really be effective?

Well, you have to be careful. Depending on the recipe, especially when using an abrasive product, it is possible to weaken the nails. There are also mixtures, with certain ingredients, that cause allergies and, in more severe cases, skin burns.

A very handy tip is to use coconut soap. Gently, with a brush, apply to the nails and then rinse with water. If the yellowish tone persists, the recommendation is to have an appointment with your dermatologist, who will indicate the ideal treatment. The specialist can even prescribe specific medications for you to use safely at home.

For those who love to beautify their nails – or simply recognize that taking care of them is also synonymous with health –, all these tips should be taken into account. After all, yellowing can be caused by several situations. Knowing what the root of this problem is, reversing it will be a much easier task.