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Have you ever looked down at your nails and noticed a yellow cast? It happened to me recently after taking off my nail polish. At first, I was a bit anxious, but after doing some research, I found that there are multiple causes for yellow nails—many of which are relatively minor and easily addressed.
For this story, I spoke with a few dermatologists and nail experts about everything related to yellow nails, from what causes them to how to get rid of them. Plus, you'll find some product recommendations that can help get rid of yellow nails if the cause isn't related to an underlying health issue.
What are yellow nails?
Yellow nails, also known as xanthonychia, occur when the nail plate develops a dull, brown-yellow appearance. This can happen for a plethora of reasons, from using a nail polish that has stained your nails to contracting a fungal infection.
In other cases, “underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or lymphedema can contribute to yellow nails,” says Nicole Lee, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Epoch Dermatology. “More rarely, yellow nail syndrome, characterized by slow-growing, thickened yellow nails along with respiratory disease and lymphedema, may be the underlying cause.”
What causes yellow nails?
There are several causes of yellow nails, from the type of nail polish you use to underlying health conditions.
Nail polish
According to Dr. Lee, nail polish and gel manicures are the most common cause of yellow nails. “This is common with prolonged wear or darker shades, as pigment can gradually penetrate and stain the nail plate over time,” she tells Good Housekeeping. “Yellowing that develops after recent gel polish or nail polish removal and gradually fades over a few weeks is usually not concerning and is often simply staining of the nail plate.”
Smoking
If you’re a smoker, then that might be the culprit for those yellow nails. “Nicotine and tar can gradually change the color of the nails and the surrounding skin, giving them a yellowish appearance,” says Maryna Slynko, international nail artist and founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio.
Sara Moghaddam, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Delmarva Skin Specialists, adds that this type of yellowing is a topical stain resulting directly from holding cigarettes.
Health conditions
Some health conditions like psoriasis can cause yellow nails. When thinking about psoriasis, most people envision itchy red, flaky patches on the body, especially the arms and legs. That said, nail psoriasis exists and can be the culprit behind yellow nails in some cases.
“This is an autoimmune skin condition that can cause yellow-brown “oil drop” patches in the nail,” says Alessandra Haskin, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Weiser Skin MD. “It often also causes pitting, nail thickening, and nail plate lifting. It's important to keep in mind that psoriasis of the nail is frequently mistaken for nail fungus, so it is important to confirm the cause of nail changes before trying treatments.”
As mentioned above, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, or lymphedema can also contribute to yellow nails, according to Dr. Lee.
Nail fungus
In some cases, nail fungus can cause yellow nails. “Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, can cause nail yellowing,” says Shari Lipner, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medicine. “There is often lifting of the nails and debris under the nails and affects toenails more often than fingernails.”
Household chemicals
For those who do heavy cleaning around the home, you'll want to pay attention to the products you use as some can cause nail yellowing. “Household cleaning products and harsh chemicals can affect the condition and color of the nail plate over time,” says Slynko. Keep an eye on those products that have harsh solvents and oxidizing agents as they can stain the keratin in the nail beds.
How do you get rid of yellow nails?
Remedies can range from antifungals to proper nail care, but it’s important to determine the cause first.
Use an antifungal
For those yellow nails caused by fungal infections, Dr. Lee says that they require antifungal treatment, either topical in milder cases or oral for more extensive involvement. “While oral antifungals tend to be more effective, they also come with additional considerations and monitoring,” she adds.
Dr. Moghaddam says over-the-counter antifungal lacquers with active ingredients like clotrimazole or ciclopirox can help combat the fungus in some cases. “You
paint them on like polish to kill the surface fungus causing the yellow discoloration,” she explains. You'll want to talk with your medical provider to determine the best course of action.
Avoid manicures
Yellow nails caused by nail polish will generally fade over the course of a few weeks on their own. Avoid using nail polish (both gel and regular) during this process to give the nails some time to return to their normal state. “Similarly, you should avoid peeling off gel or acrylic nails as proper professional removal is important because damaged nails tend to hold stains more easily,” says Olha Shtanhei, a professional international nail artist with over 14 years of experience.
Use a nail buffer
In many cases, the yellow stain is only sitting on the very topmost microscopic layer of the nail plate so it can be removed with a nail buffer similar to nail ridges. “Using a very fine-grit nail buffer can lightly physically exfoliate that stained layer away,” says Moghaddam. “Do not over-buff, as this can thin and weaken the nail over time.”
Try a brightening treatment
Dr. Haskin recommends trying a brightening treatment like Mellow the Yellow from Butter London which uses pearlescent optical brightening, exfoliation and nail conditioning to improve the appearance of yellow nails. “It is formulated with lemon extract which brightens and exfoliates, in addition to vitamin E (antioxidant) and red algae to enhance hydration and flexibility,” she says.
How can you prevent yellow nails?
Prevention is key when it comes to yellow nails. “If your yellow nails are caused by nail polish, then you can change up how you do your manicure,” says Dr. Lee. “Use a clear base coat before applying the nail polish, especially darker shades, as it creates a barrier between the pigment and the nail plate to help minimize staining,” she says. You can also try to put petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) on the nails to help keep the nail plate heavily moisturized to prevent it from becoming porous and brittle. “A hydrated nail is much less likely to absorb the pigments from dark nail polish in the first place, acting as a great preventative product,” says Dr. Moghaddam.
For smokers, you'll want to avoid prolonged cigarette use or use gloves, as holding a cigarette can cause yellow staining of the nails over time. The idea of using gloves can also be helpful to those who often use household cleaning products to prevent direct exposure to fingernails.
Lastly, for fungal infections, you’ll want to try to maintain a healthy environment for your nails. “Keep your feet dry and change out of sweaty socks promptly since fungus love moist environments,” says Dr. Moghaddam.
When should you see a doctor for yellow nails?
“Yellow nails become a concern when the color change is accompanied by changes in the nail texture or structure,” says Dr. Moghaddam. “If the nail becomes thick, crumbly, starts lifting off the nail bed, or if the skin around it becomes painful and red, it is no longer just a superficial or cosmetic issue. If the yellowing persists even after taking a long break from nail polish, they warrant a closer look by a dermatologist.”
Shtanhei adds that if a fungal infection is suspected, then you should see a dermatologist or medical provider because over-the-counter products may not be enough to fix it. In some cases, a prescription treatment may be recommended.
With more than a decade of experience, board-certified dermatologist Caroline Chang, M.D., is nationally recognized as a top doctor in both medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also the founder of Rhode Island Dermatology Institute, the state’s first direct care dermatology practice with the goal of providing high-quality, customized care.
