Content

• Steps
• Advice

When the weather gets warmer and people are comfortable wearing sandals, flip flops or open-toed shoes, it's time to have a clean and beautiful pedicure. While there are many causes of yellow toenails, preventing and cleaning toenails is not difficult.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Clean yellow toenails

1. 

   Know that yellow toenails are often the result of a fungal infection. Fungi thrive in humid environments with a high pH, ​​making sweat-filled socks the perfect place for fungi to thrive. A fungal infection is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as thicker or brittle nails, and flaky and flaky nails. Other less common causes of yellow toenails include:
   • Regular nail polish to your nails causes the polish to remain on the nail.
   • Diabetes
   • Yellow nail syndrome, a genetic trait
   • Lymphedema (chronic swelling of the legs).

2. 

   
   
   Try antifungal creams for mild cases. If your nails are brittle or flaky, you can treat them with an over-the-counter cream. The two most popular creams are Mycocide NS and Nonyx Nail Gel, used by application twice a day for several weeks.

3. 

   
   
   See your doctor for a prescription. Although there are some over-the-counter antifungal creams, it is usually necessary to see a specialist for a stronger prescription to treat underlying fungus. Common medications include:
   • Cicloprox (generic name), Zetaclear, Sporanox, and Lamisil.

4. 

   
   
   Know that onychomycosis will take a while. You will need to destroy the entire cluster to cure the infection and avoid relapse. Continue treatment until you are sure it is gone, and be patient. The treatment period can take many months.
   • If your toenail remains yellow or flaky after several weeks, see your doctor again.

5. 

   Toenail removal surgery if you experience pain while walking. This should only be used when there's no other way around, as it can take up to a year for the nail to regrow. However, if your toenail makes you uncomfortable in your daily life, it's best to have a nail removal surgery. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Prevent yellow toenails

1. 

   Give up smoking. Smoking habits can discolor skin, nails, and hair, so quitting smoking may be the fastest way to return your nails to their original color.

2. 

   Limit nail polish. Nail polish on nails can stain nails and also prevent oxygen exposure to the nail, and this can lead to inflammation. Take a few days each week to keep your natural nails unpainted. This will keep the nails healthy.

3. 

   Change socks when wet and dirty. Wet and dirty socks are a good environment for fungus to grow. If you wear such socks on your feet, it means you're inviting mushrooms to multiply. Take time to change into clean, dry socks whenever possible.

4. 

   Wear breathable shoes. Sneakers, open toes and most exercise shoes are made of mesh or breathable material to allow air to circulate around the toes, and this is essential for healthy nails. .

5. 

   Wash your toes and feet when you shower. Don't forget to scrub your toes and toenails to get rid of bacteria, fungus, and dirt. Try to have a habit of remembering your feet when you shower. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Home remedies for yellow toenails

1. 

   Make a antifungal paste. Measure out 2.5 tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide. Mix well and use a cotton ball to dip in the mixture, then apply it on your toenails. Leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse. Repeat daily.
   • You can also use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide separately if you have just one. Just mix the ingredients in the bowl with a little warm water and apply to the nail.

2. 

   Make a foot vinegar solution. Mix 3 parts water with 1 part vinegar in a pot. Soak your feet in a pot for 4-5 minutes, once a day, to lower the pH of your toes and treat fungus.

3. 

   Use lemon juice to remove yellow nail color. A solution to soaking your nails in lemon juice can help you remove yellow stains from your nails. Soak your nails for 10-15 minutes a day until you are satisfied with the results.

4. 

   Try bleaching toothpaste. For a quick fix of nail stains, such as a pink toenail left over from red nail polish, try rubbing your nails with a whitening toothpaste with a nail brush. However, this is not for long-term stains.

5. 

   Try buffing your nails slightly for temporary relief. Stains are usually on the top layer of the nail. When buffing your nails with fine sandpaper, you'll also sharpen off the top layers of the nail and remove stains. However, nail polishing is not recommended as it can weaken the nail. If you choose to polish your nails, try applying a clear coat of nail polish after buffing. advertisement

Advice

• See your doctor if problems persist.