By If you’re wondering, “why are my toenails yellow and thick?”, here’s the answer. Yellow toenails are often caused by fungal infections or excessive use of nail polish. However, in some cases, yellow toenails may point to a more serious underlying medical condition, such as diabetes.
Typically, toenails are translucent, allowing the pinkish skin beneath to be visible. However, discoloration can occur, causing the toenails to turn yellow. This can happen due to several reasons.
This article delves into the causes of yellow toenails and provides insights on how to prevent and manage this condition effectively.
Understanding Yellow Toenails Meaning
The main component of nails is keratin, a toughened protein. The skin and hair both contain the same protein. Nails are made up of several components, including:
- Nail Plate: The tough outer layer
- Nail Bed: The tissue that lies beneath the nail plate
- Nail Folds: The tissue that encircles the nail plate
- The cuticle protects the developing keratin at the nail base.
- Lunula: A light-colored semicircle located at the base of the nail
Toenails develop as live cells beneath the cuticle divide, pushing older, dead cells forward. These dead cells create the tough nail plate that protects the toe.
With age, toenails may naturally turn yellow to some extent. Such age-related changes in nail color, thickness, and shape are normal, so there’s usually no need to worry about why are my toenails yellow.
However, yellowing toenails can also stem from other causes that might require medical attention. These include infections, yellow nail syndrome, excessive nail polish use, and certain underlying medical conditions.
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What Causes Yellow Toenails?
Healthy nails are smooth, transparent, and free of ridges, cracks, and indentations. An infection, certain medical problems, nail polish, and age might all lead to toenails turning yellow.
Aging: A Natural Cause of Yellow Toenails
Older people are often concerned and wonder, Why are my toenails yellow? Yellow fingernails and toenails can be a normal part of aging. As people grow older, the color, thickness, and shape of their nails naturally change. It is common for elderly individuals to notice their nails becoming more yellow in appearance.
Regular Nail Polish Wear
Excessive use of nail polish can lead to discoloration in toenails. In particular, applying red, yellow, or orange nail paint can make toenails appear yellow. Many people wonder, Why are my toenails yellow after removing nail polish? This is usually not a serious issue; simply taking a break from nail art can help restore the natural color of your nails. Overuse of nail polish often causes yellowing, which is harmless although it may affect the appearance of your toes.
Specific Medical Conditions
By itself, having yellow toe nails is not harmful. However, if an underlying medical issue causes yellow and white toenails meaning, it could signal a problem. The following medical conditions commonly cause yellow toenails:
- psoriasis
- tuberculosis
- thyroid conditions
- diabetes
- sinusitis
- Jaundice
Individuals with these diseases likely experience yellow toenails in addition to other symptoms.
Yellow Nail Syndrome (YNS)
Both fingernails and toenails can turn yellow due to a rare condition known as yellow nail syndrome. This condition may also cause nails to become brittle, grow more slowly, and lack a visible claw.
Yellow nail syndrome primarily affects individuals over the age of 50. While the exact cause remains unclear, it is often associated with symptoms like yellow, thickened, and curved nails that grow at a slower rate. Other related issues may include respiratory problems, and in some cases, nails may develop ridges, indentations, or even turn black or green.
Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)
One of the most common reasons for yellow toenails is a fungal infection called onychomycosis, which predominantly affects adults rather than children. Factors like tight-fitting shoes or damage to the nail plates can worsen discoloration and may also be linked to athlete’s foot. Yellowing toenails caused by this condition may develop white patches, yellow spots, or, in severe cases, turn black.
The primary cause of this fungal infection is dermatophytes, which thrive by consuming keratin—a protein found in skin and nails. According to American Family Physician, around 10% of adults experience onychomycosis, and its prevalence increases with age. Nearly half of individuals aged 70 and older are affected, particularly those with weaker immune systems. In some cases, it may also serve as an indicator of HIV.
Nail Psoriasis
Approximately 90% of individuals with plaque psoriasis also experience nail psoriasis. If your nail psoriasis persists despite treatment for systemic psoriasis, it is essential to consult your dermatologist for further evaluation and management.
Ram’s Horn Nails (Onychogryphosis)
A genetic abnormality in the formation of the nail plate causes ram’s horn nails, also known as onychogryphosis. Regular cleaning and trimming will help prevent ram’s horns.
Further More:
How to Get Rid of Yellow Toenails: Affective Treatments & Remedies
The most common causes of yellow toenails are excessive nail polish use or fungal infections. If you’ve been using nail polish excessively, taking a break will help your toenails return to their normal state. To learn how to get rid of yellow toenails quickly, follow the recommended treatments and remedies.
Antifungal Medications for Yellow Toenails
Using oral or topical antifungal medication is an effective way to treat fungal infections. These infections often require prolonged treatment, with some courses of medication lasting for months. One commonly prescribed antifungal treatment is the 8 percent ciclopirox solution, which is applied to the nails like nail polish. Other treatments that may help treat yellow toenails include zinc, vitamin E, and corticosteroid cream containing vitamin D-3.
In some cases, you might need antibiotics, such as 400 mg of clarithromycin, to remove the yellow toenails. Antibiotics are especially useful when there is a widespread infection, such as pneumonia, affecting the body.
Home Remedies: How to Fix Yellow Toenails Naturally
how to fix yellow toenails at home can be done in several ways. These include:
- Apply tea tree oil and a carrier oil mixture to the damaged nail.
- Immerse the damaged nail in a hot water and baking soda solution.
- Applying vinegar on the damaged nail
- Make sure to include the right amount of vitamin E in your diet.
- Immerse the infected nail in a hot water and hydrogen peroxide solution.
However, the effectiveness of these remedies for yellow toenails is unknown.
Preventing The Toenails from Turning Yellow
Even if you can’t prevent toenails from turning yellow in the future, your best chance is to take excellent care of your nails and monitor them regularly for any signs of a problem, especially if you have poor blood circulation or are prone to nail issues. Be sure to:
- When taking a shower, wash your toenails often and apply soap or shower gel straight to your feet.
- It’s important to ensure that the toenails are completely dry after washing.
- Using clean nail clippers, cut toenails straight across.
- Your shoes should be clean, fit well, and not strain your toes.
- Steer clear of closed-toe shoes throughout the day, particularly in regions with higher temperatures.
- Avoid swimming in contaminated or unclean water.
- Make sure to change the water and sanitizing stations between customers when choosing a pedicure parlor.
- Socks should always be clean.
- Make sure your shoes aren’t moist while you’re wearing them by regularly letting them air out after sports or other outside activity.
- Regular exercise helps improve blood circulation.
Summary
Several factors can cause yellow toenails. “Why are my toenails yellow?” is a common question many individuals ask. The most frequent causes include the overuse of nail polish or a fungal infection. For others, however, yellow toenails may signal a more significant underlying issue.
People with diabetes who notice yellow toenails should consult a doctor, unless the cause is excessive nail polish use. Maintaining clean toes, practicing proper foot hygiene, and addressing any underlying medical conditions can help prevent yellow toenails.
If your toenails are turning yellow, consult a doctor, especially if you’re experiencing any bleeding, discharge, pain, swelling, or other issues such as a change in thickness or shape.
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Signs You Should See a Doctor for Yellow Toenails
If you’re wondering, “Why are my big toenails yellow?” it could be a mild fungal infection. People with minor symptoms related to a fungal infection can often take care of their yellow toenails at home. However, for diabetics, infections can lead to more severe issues, such as foot ulcers, especially if there is inadequate blood supply.
If your toenails continue to thicken, deform, or discolor despite trying several treatments, it’s important to consult a doctor. If you have diabetes and yellow toenails, schedule a visit with your physician, as toenail fungus can lead to more severe infections and diabetic foot complications.
This is especially important for individuals who experience yellow toenails along with other symptoms. These may include:
- pain
- bleeding
- The shape or thickness of the nail plate has changed.
- swelling
By gathering and examining nail clippings, medical professionals can more accurately determine the cause of why toenails are yellow and thick. Following this, they may recommend a course of treatment. Possible treatments include oral prescription medications or, in more severe cases, nail removal.
