{"id":25653,"date":"2026-10-20T18:42:41","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T18:42:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/?p=25653"},"modified":"2026-10-23T19:19:15","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T19:19:15","slug":"why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Are My Nails Turning Yellow &#8211; Causes and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Healthy fingernails should be smooth, hard, as well as pale pink. You will keep on pondering, \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/Nail-care.html\"><strong><u><b>Why are my nails turning yellow<\/b><\/u><\/strong><\/a>?\u201d and whether this is unhealthy. Nails can turn yellow because of nail polish, fungus, skin aging, and certain diseases. The good news is that many causes are treatable.<\/p>\n<p>The use of color change is the secret to beautiful nails. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind it and possible remedies, as well as guide you on when to approach a doctor.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#What_Causes_Yellow_Nails\" >What Causes Yellow Nails?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Nail_Polish_and_Staining\" >Nail Polish and Staining<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Fungal_Nail_Infections\" >Fungal Nail Infections<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Yellow_Toenails_Causes\" >Yellow Toenails Causes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Aging_and_Lifestyle_Habits\" >Aging and Lifestyle Habits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Yellow_Nail_Syndrome\" >Yellow Nail Syndrome<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#How_to_Treat_Yellow_Nails\" >How to Treat Yellow Nails?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Can_You_Prevent_Yellow_Nails\" >Can You Prevent Yellow Nails?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Final_Thoughts\" >Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions\" >Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Q_Why_do_the_yellow_nails_become_pink\" >Q: Why do the yellow nails become pink?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Q_Do_all_yellow_nails_have_a_fungus\" >Q: Do all yellow nails have a fungus?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Q_Does_Yellow_Nail_Stain_Go_Away_with_Lemon_Juice\" >Q: Does Yellow Nail Stain Go Away with Lemon Juice?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Q_What_does_it_take_for_yellow_nails_to_be_cured\" >Q: What does it take for yellow nails to be cured?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/why-are-my-nails-turning-yellow-causes-and-treatment\/#Q_Can_yellow_nails_be_a_sign_of_something_else\" >Q: Can yellow nails be a sign of something else?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Causes_Yellow_Nails\"><\/span><strong>What Causes Yellow Nails?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many factors can change their original color. Some are innocent; others need treatment.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nail_Polish_and_Staining\"><\/span><strong>Nail Polish and Staining<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you frequently wear dark nail polish, a yellow stain may remain on your nails&#8217; surface. Orange or red stains may be left by other tints. This is more likely if you apply polish directly without a base coat.<\/p>\n<p>While nail polish may cause yellowish nails, it isn&#8217;t a lasting condition. Then, let the varnish grow out for a while before going back to colored polish on natural nails. Use a base coat before you paint your polish from now on.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fungal_Nail_Infections\"><\/span><strong>Fungal Nail Infections<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Nail fungus causes the same color infection, since you identify it by yellow nails. Fungi love warm and moist environments. Entering through openings or crevices in your skin a billionth of a millimeter wide, or at the precipice of the epidermis that wraps around your fingernail.<\/p>\n<p>It may begin with a yellow or white patch. Eventually, the nail thickens- it may even become hard or crumble. It can also lift away from the healthy nail base.<\/p>\n<p>Symptoms of common nail fungus consist of:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Nails can turn yellow, white, or brown.<\/li>\n<li>Thickened or misshapen nails.<\/li>\n<li>Nails that break easily or chip easily.<\/li>\n<li>Debris may get collected beneath the nail.<\/li>\n<li>A bad smell in certain cases.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These can affect fingernails or toes, as you can have a fungal infection in either area. You will t often be referred to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/\"><strong><u><b>best dermatologist in Delhi<\/b><\/u><\/strong><\/a><strong><b>,<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0who will examine the nail and culture it to determine whether fungus is involved and then prescribe the right treatment.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Yellow_Toenails_Causes\"><\/span><strong>Yellow Toenails Causes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There is a huge difference when it comes to yellow toenails and fingernails; the reasons may not always be the same. Nail Issues: Can be caused by footwear being too tight, sweaty feet, stress and anxiety or trauma to a toenail. This also makes you more vulnerable to fungal infections.<\/p>\n<p>Fingernails grow faster than toenails. Unless caught and treated very early on, skin discoloration can linger for the better part of a few months.<\/p>\n<p>Now you want your feet to be clean and dry. For instance, wear clean socks (frequently) as well as supportive and properly sized shoes! Avoid walking with bare feet at public baths or changing rooms on the site too.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Aging_and_Lifestyle_Habits\"><\/span><strong>Aging and Lifestyle Habits<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Some reasons for thickening are age (thicker, duller, or more yellow nails are common in older adults). Tobacco contains chemicals that can yellow and stain the nails, which can also lead to discoloration in the fingers. If it is due to smoking, then stop, as this helps to get no more stains. This discoloration may take time to fade.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Yellow_Nail_Syndrome\"><\/span><strong>Yellow Nail Syndrome<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>On the other hand, yellow nails could indicate a disease called yellow nail syndrome. It may lead to thick, slow-growing, yellow nails. Other signs and symptoms can include leg or arm swelling, related with breathing difficulties, as well as recurrent lung infections of the lungs.<\/p>\n<p>This condition needs medical assessment. If you have a tough time breathing go to doctor right now.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Treat_Yellow_Nails\"><\/span><strong>How to Treat Yellow Nails?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It is important to note that the approach for treating yellow nails vary depending on the cause. If it&#8217;s fungal, no cream or home remedy on earth can fix it; if it is not, well, that probably matters.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s highlight some of the more common treatment options below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Used pigmented polish:<\/b><\/strong>Forbid the pigmented polish for 2 -3 weeks and freely allow it to grow out naturally.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Nail disorder:<\/b><\/strong>A preparation, an oral rule for this problem, and solace anticipate this when required. Severe infections require longer treatment durations.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Nail injuries:<\/b><\/strong>Time to drain nails; type of shoes can cause toenails to grow more.<\/li>\n<li><b><\/b><strong><b>Medical problems:<\/b><\/strong>They need higher blood flow to help with nail color and growth.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Look for the use of very harsh abrasives or powerful bleach products. Methods known to damage nails and irritate surrounding tissue. Reserve systemic antifungal agents for cases with indications, given the high potential for liver toxicity and drug interactions of many.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_You_Prevent_Yellow_Nails\"><\/span><strong>Can You Prevent Yellow Nails?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>With some simple measures in nail care, you can avoid a lot of infections and stains.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Apply dark color over a clear base coat.<\/li>\n<li>The more you can do, the better.<\/li>\n<li>This is where it all begins: the footwear that actually breathes (and thus is very unlikely to give you sweaty toes). Change your sock if it becomes wet.<\/li>\n<li>Stop chewing at your nails and pulling at the skin around your follicle.<\/li>\n<li>In this case, try sticking to shoes that can breathe because you definitely don&#8217;t want sweaty feet in the first place, and Chan advises changing your socks just as soon as they dry.<\/li>\n<li>Nail biting or skin picking around the nails has to stop.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Watch your nails; if you have DM or blood circulation problems, see a doc about it.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Final_Thoughts\"><\/span><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You can see how this might lead to yellow nails, from staining caused by nail polish to fungal infections and, much less commonly, disease. Don&#8217;t jump to aggressive treatment; all treatment depends on the underlying cause, and you should never assume.<\/p>\n<p>But if the yellow is stubborn \u2212 or your nails are getting thicker, brittle, sore, or aren&#8217;t regrowing in their normal shape after a while \u2212 see a doctor. Dermatologists identify the reason and offer effective, safe treatment. If you also experience skin dryness, visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/Nail-care.html\"><strong><u><b>best yellow nails treatment doctor in South Delhi<\/b><\/u><\/strong><\/a>\u00a0to find out why.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Why_do_the_yellow_nails_become_pink\"><\/span><strong>Q: Why do the yellow nails become pink?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><b>A:<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0If the yellow nails start getting pink due to polish staining or a small injury, then the nail may well grow out normal again. Improving fungal infection management may take several months, though.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Do_all_yellow_nails_have_a_fungus\"><\/span><strong>Q: Do all yellow nails have a fungus?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><b>A:<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0No, yellow nails can also result from nail polish, smoking, aging, trauma, and some other diseases. Other medical tests can determine the cause.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Does_Yellow_Nail_Stain_Go_Away_with_Lemon_Juice\"><\/span><strong>Q: Does Yellow Nail Stain Go Away with Lemon Juice?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><b>A:<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0There is little to no evidence out there suggesting that lemon juice helps with nail discoloration. Do not opt for home remedies, as its acidic nature would worsen the injury to the skin.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_What_does_it_take_for_yellow_nails_to_be_cured\"><\/span><strong>Q: What does it take for yellow nails to be cured?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><b>A:<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0It depends on the cause. Toenails grow slowly, and with a fungal infection, it may take several months for the infection to fully resolve. The discoloration may take months to resolve before the affected portion of the nail grows out.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Q_Can_yellow_nails_be_a_sign_of_something_else\"><\/span><strong>Q: Can yellow nails be a sign of something else?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><b>A:<\/b><\/strong>\u00a0Yes, although this is uncommon. Yellow nails that don&#8217;t go away, or that come with swelling or breathing problems, may indicate yellow nail syndrome; see your doctor.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Healthy fingernails should be smooth, hard, as well as pale pink. You will keep on pondering, \u201cWhy are my nails turning yellow?\u201d and whether this is unhealthy. Nails can turn yellow because of nail polish, fungus, skin aging, and certain diseases. The good news is that many causes are treatable. The use of color change [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":25662,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[101],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-25653","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nail-treatment"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25653","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25653"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25653\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25656,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25653\/revisions\/25656"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25662"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25653"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25653"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.thenationalskincentre.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25653"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}