Unless you’re auditioning for the role of zombie in the next horror flick, maintaining stained yellow nails isn’t desirable. Not only are yellow nails unsightly, they’re also your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Here’s what you need to know about why your nails have turned a funky colour (and not funky in a good way!)…
What it means
If you’ve noticed a change in the colour of any of your nails, you need to take note. Yellow or discoloured nails generally signal fungus and infection, so it’s essential you don’t ignore the issue and attempt to cover it up with nail polish. While nail polish will make your nails look pretty again, underneath, the infection will be starting to spread. A nail fungus or infection left untreated can result in permanent damage to the nail and in extreme cases require removal of the entire nail – eeek!
Keep your nails
Hold onto your nails by treating them when you start to notice discolouration. Immediately remove all polish and stop wearing artificial nails so that the nail can air sufficiently. Avoid getting the nail wet where possible and dry it immediately after showering. Any trapped moisture in the nail will cause the fungus to spread.
A simple solution
There are a wide range of affordable, user-friendly nail fungus treatments you can pick up from your local chemist, so treating the cause of your yellow nails has never been easier. Simply paint the medicated solution onto the affected area of the nail 2-3 times a day until the problem has disappeared completely. You will need to be very patient as nail fungus infections can take weeks and even months to heal completely.
DIY treatment
If you can’t get to the chemist, try rubbing tea tree oil over the nail regularly each day – tea tree has natural antibacterial properties perfect for fighting the fungus that’s causing your yellow nails.
See your doctor
If your symptoms have not started to improve after two weeks of treatment, or the yellowing darkens and starts to turn black, book an appointment to see your GP for a thorough nail care check-up.
