Why are my toenails yellow?

When toenails turn yellow, a fungus is usually to blame. This type of fungal infection is so common that you might not even need to see a doctor for treatment. Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream. If your nail is yellow and thick, gently file down the surface so that the drug can reach deeper layers.
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How do you get rid of yellow toenails?

Getting rid of yellow toenails
  1. Soak your nails in warm water for 5 to 10 minutes.
  2. Trim and file your nails (when necessary).
  3. Apply an over-the-counter anti-fungal solution or cream to your nails, such as clotrimazole or undecylenic acid. ...
  4. Repeat this process daily until your nails have returned to normal.
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What do yellowing toenails indicate?

Yellowing of the nail can indicate a fungal infection of the nail, more commonly seen in toenails than fingernails. The discoloration becomes worse with tight-fitting shoes or trauma to the nail plates and can be associated with athlete's foot, as well. The most common fungal infection is from the Trichophyton family.
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Do yellow toenails go away?

Most cases of yellow toenails are caused by a fungal infection that's treatable. If you notice that your nails are turning yellow — and especially if you have any other issues like a change in shape or thickness or any bleeding, discharge, pain, or swelling — you should see your doctor.
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How do I get my toenails white again?

Simply fill a small bowl with one part water and one part hydrogen peroxide. Place fingers or toes in the bowl so that nails are completely covered and let soak for 15 minutes. Rinse well. Repeat daily until nails are whiter and stains have disappeared.
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What Causes Toenails to Turn Yellow?



Why are my toenails yellow after taking off nail polish?

For most people, the cause of yellow toenails will be fungal infection or overuse of nail polish. In the case of excessive nail polish use, ceasing to use nail polish for at least a week should allow the nail to return to normal.
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Are yellow toenails normal?

When toenails turn yellow, a fungus is usually to blame. This type of fungal infection is so common that you might not even need to see a doctor for treatment. Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream. If your nail is yellow and thick, gently file down the surface so that the drug can reach deeper layers.
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What does fungus toenails look like?

Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration. Brittle, crumbly or ragged. Distorted in shape. A dark color, caused by debris building up under your nail.
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What your toenails say about your health?

Yellow Toenails

Your toenails tell a lot about your overall health. A fungal infection often causes thickened yellow toenails. Thick, yellow nails also can be a sign of an underlying disease, including lymphedema (swelling related to the lymphatic system), lung problems, psoriasis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
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What kills toenail fungus fast?

Medications
  • Oral antifungal drugs. These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. ...
  • Medicated nail polish. Your doctor may prescribe an antifungal nail polish called ciclopirox (Penlac). ...
  • Medicated nail cream.
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How long does it take to get rid of yellow toenails?

Here are three things you need to know about getting rid of yellow toenails: Toenail fungal infections can be treated with over-the-counter nail creams and doctor-prescribed medications. It can take up to a year to completely get rid of a fungal nail infection. The best treatment for yellow toenails is prevention.
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How do you get clear toenails?

How to Clear Up Fungal Toenails Fast
  1. Non-prescription options. There are many toenail fungus treatments available in stores and online including antifungal creams, gels, and nail polish. ...
  2. Prescription polish and creams. ...
  3. Prescription drugs. ...
  4. Laser treatment. ...
  5. Natural, at-home remedies.
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What do Covid toes look like?

COVID toes: One or more toes may swell and turn pink, red, or a purplish color. Others may see a small amount of pus under their skin. Sometimes, people who have COVID toes have other symptoms of COVID-19.
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Why has my toenail gone thick and yellow?

Thick yellow toenails are usually caused by a fungal infection called onychomycosis. This can be irritating or painful. It's less common, but the infection can affect your fingernails as well. Thick yellow toenails can be prevented by taking certain precautions.
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Can your feet show signs of heart problems?

Here are some signs relating to the legs and feet that may be a sign of heart disease: Absent hair growth on the feet. Dry, thinning, and/or shiny skin on your legs and feet. Unexplained atrophy (decreased muscle size).
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Does toenail fungus go away?

Fungal nail infections can be difficult to cure, and they typically don't go away without antifungal treatment. The best treatment for a fungal nail infection is usually prescription antifungal pills taken by mouth. In severe cases, a doctor might remove the nail completely.
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Can I get a pedicure if I have fungus?

If you get a nail fungal infection, you may still be able to wear nail polish, but you should not wear artificial nails because it will be hard for your doctor to monitor your improvement.
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Should I cut off my fungus toenail?

Nail removal: If you have a severe infection or other treatments just don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.
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Does nail polish cause yellow toenails?

These changes are normal and typically do not require treatment. Nail polish: Painting the fingernails frequently with a nail polish, especially with brighter or darker colors such as red, pink, orange or black, can cause yellowish discoloration.
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How do you get rid of yellow toenails home remedies?

Home remedies that can help treat yellow toenails include:
  1. Baking soda: Soak the affected nail in hot water mixed with baking soda. ...
  2. Vitamin E: Include a good amount of foods rich in vitamin E, such as sunflower or soybean oil, almonds, peanuts, spinach, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds.
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Can leaving nail polish on too long cause yellowing?

Firstly, your nails need to breathe. Secondly, without a base coat, your nails will suffocate. The reason why your nails stain is because you aren't using a base coat and you're keeping high-pigment polish on too long. Most often, yellowing of the nails is caused by staining from colour polishes.
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Does COVID toes mean you have COVID?

But just because one person has COVID and COVID toes doesn't mean that if they pass the virus to someone else, that person will also get COVID toes. If you think you have COVID toes or any symptoms of the coronavirus, stay home, call your doctor right away, and ask if you should get tested for COVID.
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What are COVID nails?

COVID nails are nail changes that happen a few days or weeks after a COVID-19 infection. They're either a sign that the infection stressed your body, or they could be a rare symptom of the infection itself, depending on your symptoms.
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How long do COVID toes last?

For some people, COVID toes can last around 10 to 14 days, whereas the condition can last for months for others. COVID toes do not need to be treated to go away but can be treated with some hydrocortisone cream in case of itching or pain.
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What is the white hard stuff under my toenails?

In medical terms this is called onychomycosis or tinea unguium,” says Batra. The fungal infection breaks down the keratin in the nail to form a white or yellow chalky substance under the nail plate. "As keratin debris spreads under the nail, the nail plate typically becomes lifted up off of the nail bed.
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