Your toenails are yellow and you are wondering what could have triggered this yellowing? What are the reasons for this phenomenon? Keep reading, the nail supplies expert Maryton will tell you the origin of this yellowing of the nails.
Yellowing of the nails can appear on one nail or several. It can also take the form of more localized yellow spots, which do not cover the entire nail. There are many causes that can cause yellow nails, on the feet as well as on the hands. Some are linked to our lifestyle habits, others can indicate a fungal infection, an illness or be the consequence of a treatment. These include:
– Repeated application of nail polish: many polishes contain chemical molecules (such as formaldehyde) that are known to yellow the nails. Certain colours, such as red or orange, can also tend to mark the nail when removed.
– Tobacco: while smokers often have yellow fingernails, this colouring can also appear on the toenails. Why? Quite simply because nicotine can cause circulatory problems in heavy smokers, which will cause, among other things, a yellow colour on the toenails.
– Nail fungus (onychomycosis): this is caused by yeast, mould or fungi, dermatophytes, which will infiltrate under the nail and gradually spread – sometimes to neighbouring nails. These fungi are often present in damp public places (swimming pools, gyms, saunas, etc.), hence the importance of keeping shoes on your feet at all times. The fungus in question colonizes the skin or the toenail and begins to spread until it colors the entire nail. The nails, weakened, can become brittle and damaged.
– A skin disease, such as psoriasis. In this case, the spots take the form of yellow sparks under the nail. This color is not necessarily present permanently, and can appear over the course of flare-ups of the disease. Psoriasis also affects the skin and hair, but it sometimes only manifests itself on the nails.
– More rarely, yellow nails can be a sign of a very specific disease, yellow nail syndrome. This usually occurs after the age of 50, and its symptoms include: slowed or stopped nail growth, yellow or greenish discoloration of the fingernails and toenails, thicker and deformed nails (with a rounded appearance), swelling of the legs and breathing problems. The diagnosis can be made by your doctor after a clinical examination.
Most of the time, it is possible to prevent yellow nails, or to treat them at home to restore their original color. For health reasons, it’s best to invest in a pedicure kit to take care of and pamper your feet regularly.
Read also: Causes of nail fungus
