As the summer approaches and the pasty legs and feet reappear we all want our toenails to look clean and tidy.
Healthy nails are usually clear in colour and don’t have any cracks, ridges or abnormal shapes. If you’re toenails happen to be turning yellow it could be a result of something like aging, nail polish or an infection.
Toenails grow as the living cells under the cuticle replicate and push older, dead cells forward. These dead cells form the hardened nail plate that protects the toe.
Nails primarily consist of a hardened protein called keratin. The same protein is also in the hair and skin.
When they turn yellow it can be a natural cause of aging, which shouldn’t be a concern. Although, yellow toenails can form for other reasons which may require treatment.
For most people, the cause of yellow toenails will be from fungal infection or over use of nail polish.
Excessive use of nail polish can cause toenails to change colour. In particular, using red, yellow or orange polish can cause the toes to appear yellow. It's usually harmless, although it's recommended to stop wearing it for a week.
Other causes may include, tight footwear, excessive sweating, skin conditions and medical conditions.
Fungal infections can be treated by using an oral or topical antifungal medication. Treatments may be time consuming with some courses of medication lasting up to a year.
However, Medical News Today recommend these home remedies, which include:
- Mixing tea tree oil with a carrier oil and applying it to the infected nail.
- Soaking the infected nail in hot water mixed with baking soda.
- Applying vinegar to the infected nail.
- Include a sufficient amount of vitamin E in the diet.
- Soak the infected nail in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and hot water
To reduce the risk of developing symptoms you can,
- Wash your toenails regularly by applying shower gel or soap directly to the feet when showering.
- Keep the toenails dry.
- Use clean nail clippers.
- Wear clean shoes that fit properly and don’t put pressure on the toes.
- Avoid wearing closed top shoes all day, especially in hot weather.
- Avoid swimming in dirty water.
- Wear clean socks.
- Air out sports shoes after use.
- Exercise regularly to stimulate blood circulation.
Unless its due to excessive use of nail polish, yellow toenails could be a sign of a more serious condition that may need medical attention. Practicing good foot hygiene, keeping the toes clean and treating any underlying conditions may help prevent them.
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