Yellow nails can appear for multiple reasons. However, there are some remedies of natural origin that can help improve your appearance. We share them in detail.
Healthy nails, in general, have a light color and their surface is smooth, without cracks or crevices. However, yellow nails are indicative of health problems, infections or bad habits like tobacco.
In milder cases, it may mean that they are going through their natural aging process or that they are accumulating remains of continuous enameling. The truth of it all is that, putting aside their cause, that change of color makes them look sick and unsightly. What can you do?
5 home remedies that help you tone down yellow nails
When the nails show a change in color due to the use of dyes or harsh products, their natural growth may be sufficient to recover a clear and healthy color. Now, if they continue to be yellowish, they may require another treatment.
If there are other causes, such as nutritional deficiencies, it is best to go to the doctor to know how to act. On the other hand, the yellow nails caused by fungi (onychomycosis) can be fought with some home remedies for topical application. Write them down!
1. Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil contains essential oils with antimicrobial properties.
Tea tree essential oil is one of the most popular remedies for the treatment of yellow nails. According to some research, this product has properties capable of effectively stopping the growth of the most common fungal strains in the nails. .
Ingredients
- 3 drops of tea tree essential oil.
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (5 g).
Preparation
- First, combine the tea tree oil with a teaspoon of coconut oil.
Mode of use
- After obtaining the mixture, rub it on the affected nails with gentle massages.
- Make sure the product absorbs well and let it work without rinsing.
- Repeat its use 2 times a day, every day.
2. Oregano oil
The daily application of essential oil of oregano can help to minimize the yellow nails when their cause is the infections by bacteria or fungi. Studies have suggested that its antifungal and antimicrobial properties can help eliminate microorganisms that cause nail infections.
Ingredients
- 5 drops of oregano essential oil.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (5 g).
Preparation
- Incorporates the essential oil of oregano with olive oil.
Mode of use
- When you get the mixture, rub it over the problematic nails.
- If you wish, use a clean enamel brush to facilitate its application.
- Make sure you use it every night before going to bed to get good results.
3. Vitamin E
The antioxidant effect of vitamin E helps strengthen your nails from the inside.
The external application of vitamin E has interesting benefits on skin health. In fact, this ingredient is part of many cosmetic products. The vitamin E has shown efficacy in treating yellow nails.
This has made it possible to determine that, in addition to helping minimize bleaching problems, it helps to reduce cracks, streaks and stains. To make matters worse, it is very moisturizing, a powerful antioxidant and helps maintain healthy cuticles.
Ingredients
- 1 capsule of vitamin E.
- 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (5 g).
Preparation
- You can get vitamin E in the form of capsules or oil.
- Mix its content with coconut oil and homogenize well.
Mode of use
- Dip a clean enamel brush in the preparation and rub it over the nails.
- Repeat its use every day, 2 times a day.
4. Vicks
Although this popular ointment is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, its topical application is also useful to diminish the appearance of yellow nails.
In its composition are essential vegetable oils such as eucalyptol, with effects to reduce fungal infections and, in addition, strengthen them from the surface.
Mode of use
- Take a small amount of Vicks and rub it over the yellow nails.
- Let it work without rinsing all night.
- Repeat its use every day before going to bed.
5. Hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate
This homemade pasta can help whiten the appearance of the nails.
A combination of hydrogen peroxide and sodium bicarbonate can help effectively whiten stained nails. Its regular use helps eliminate the remains of enamels and creates a barrier against fungi and bacteria.
Ingredients
- 6 drops of hydrogen peroxide.
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (5 g).
- Warm water (the necessary).
Preparation
- First, make a paste with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
- Then, add it to a container with warm water.
Mode of use
- Dip the nails in the preparation for 5 minutes.
- Repeat the remedy every day, until you notice an improvement.
How to prevent yellow nails?
To prevent yellow nails is very important to ensure good hygiene of them. On the other hand, it is recommended to periodically check their appearance, so that abnormalities can be detected in time. Other recommendations include:
- Use proper footwear
- Use gloves when handling chemical products.
- Cut the nails periodically, using a clean and personal kit.
- Keep nails clean and dry.
- Ventilate the shoes after doing some sports activity.
- Use clean socks
Summarizing…
The yellow nails can be the result of a coloration by the frequent use of enamels or by aging. However, their most common cause are fungal infections. The constant application of topical products can be useful to restore your healthy appearance.
The remedies exposed are natural alternatives with an efficacy reserved for the milder cases. In more serious cases it is necessary to consult with your doctor or pharmacist.