Sophia Delgado
Discoloured nails can be caused by various factors, including nail polish, fungal infections, and lifestyle choices. While some discolouration is harmless, it can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. To restore nail health and achieve brighter nails, several DIY methods can be employed, such as lemon juice soaks, baking soda scrubs, and whitening toothpaste rubs. For persistent discolouration, it is recommended to consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of discolouration | Fungal infections, tight-fitting shoes, trauma to the nail plate, athlete's foot, nail polish, acetone nail polish removers, pigments, dyes, smoking, chemical stains, health problems, injuries to the nail bed, psoriasis, autoimmune disorders, certain medications, mineral deficiency, liver disease, kidney disease, heart failure, viral hepatitis |
| Treatment | Laser treatment, antifungal medication, apple cider vinegar, vinegar, tea tree oil, hydrogen peroxide, salt soak, baking soda scrub, lemon juice scrub, whitening toothpaste, diluted vinegar, bleach bath, cuticle oil, moisturiser, protective gloves, exfoliation, nail polish break, strengthening polish, base coat |
| Prevention | Avoid walking barefoot in public places, wear clean socks, avoid pedicures, wear comfortable and properly-fitted shoes, avoid moist environments, avoid trauma to nails, wear protective gloves, keep nails trimmed, avoid cleaning under nails, avoid nail polish and acetone nail polish removers, use light nail polish shades, use a protective base coat |
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What You'll Learn
Soak nails in diluted vinegar
Discoloured nails can be the result of fungal infections, mineral deficiency, or trauma. While there are several treatments for discoloured nails, such as laser treatment, antifungal medication, and whitening toothpaste, soaking your nails in diluted vinegar is a popular home remedy.
Vinegar is acidic, which means it can kill bacteria and fungus. To make a diluted vinegar solution, mix one part vinegar with two to four parts warm water. You can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, which has antifungal and antibacterial properties. Soak your nails for at least 10 minutes, but for better results, you can soak for up to 40 minutes. If you have sensitive skin, consider reducing the amount of vinegar and starting with shorter soaking sessions.
After soaking your nails, be sure to dry them thoroughly. Fungus thrives in moist environments, so it's important to dry your nails completely before putting on shoes and socks. Use a clean towel to pat your nails dry, and avoid using the same towel again before washing it to prevent the spread of fungus.
While vinegar soaks can be effective, they may not work for everyone. If you don't see any improvement after a few weeks, it's recommended to consult a podiatrist or dermatologist for further treatment options. They may suggest topical or oral antifungal medications, which can be more effective in treating nail fungus.
In addition to vinegar soaks, there are other home remedies you can try to treat discoloured nails. These include using tea tree oil, Epsom salt soaks, or hydrogen peroxide solutions. However, it's important to remember that while home remedies can be helpful, they may not work for everyone, and professional treatment may be necessary in some cases.
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Apply a whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste can be used to brighten discoloured nails. The whitening agents in the toothpaste help remove stains from the nails, just as they do for teeth. To use this method, first, remove any nail polish with a nail polish remover. Then, apply a thick layer of whitening toothpaste to each nail, ensuring that you cover the top and underneath the nail tips. It is recommended to use a toothbrush to apply the paste. Leave the toothpaste on for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Afterward, scrub your nails gently under warm water for a couple of minutes, being careful not to damage your cuticles. Rinse your hands with warm water until all the toothpaste is removed. You may need to use a nail brush or toothbrush to scrub the toothpaste into all the nooks and crannies of your nail beds.
For best results, use a whitening toothpaste that contains hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. You may achieve white nails after a single treatment. If not, you can repeat this treatment once or twice a week until your nails are totally white.
If you have stubborn yellow stains, you can also try using diluted hydrogen peroxide. Mix three tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide with one cup of warm water. Soak your nails in the mixture for two minutes, then gently buff the surface of your nails with a toothbrush.
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Use a nail fungus treatment
If you suspect that your nail discolouration is caused by a fungal infection, there are a few treatment options available. Firstly, it is important to consult a board-certified dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan. They may recommend topical antifungal medications, such as efinaconazole 10% solution or tavaborole 5% solution, which are applied directly to the affected nails once daily for up to 48 weeks. Another topical option is ciclopirox nail lacquer, which is suitable for both fingernails and toenails.
In some cases, your dermatologist may perform a nail abrasion procedure, which involves scraping or filing the surface of the nail to allow the antifungal medication to penetrate more deeply. This is particularly effective for white superficial onychomycosis, where the fungus develops on top of the nail.
For more severe or persistent infections, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills such as itraconazole (Sporanox) or terbinafine (Lamisil). These oral medications have higher success rates than topical treatments, but they can have side effects and potential interactions with other medications, so medical supervision is necessary.
If the infection is deep and longstanding, your doctor might suggest removing all or part of the affected nail surgically or nonsurgically. Nonsurgical removal involves applying urea ointment to soften the nail bed before removing the infected portion.
While you may come across various home remedies for nail fungus, such as vinegar soaks or baking soda pastes, it is important to note that these are not scientifically proven cures. However, these remedies may help prevent or reduce fungal growth.
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Avoid nail polish and acetone removers
While nail polish allows you to express yourself through colour, it can sometimes cause more harm than good. The use of certain colours and frequent application of nail polish can cause white-yellow staining of the nail plate. This is purely cosmetic and not harmful, but it can be unaesthetic. The staining will grow out as your nails grow, but this process can be accelerated by taking a break from nail polish and avoiding acetone nail polish removers.
Acetone is a harsh chemical that can decrease the overall strength of your nails over time. It is a very powerful solvent that works by dissolving the hard film that is left on your nails by the ingredients in the polish. However, it also removes a lot of natural oils from your skin, which can cause it to look white. Therefore, it is important to moisturise your hands and nails after using acetone.
If you wish to avoid the negative effects of acetone, there are several alternatives to consider when removing nail polish. A soy-based remover is a non-acetone alternative that is not as harsh as acetone. It will take more time to remove stubborn or thick paint, but it is generally gentler and less drying. Similarly, a non-acetone remover with solvents like ethyl acetate, isopropyl alcohol, or propylene carbonate can be used. These formulations contain moisturizing agents to minimize the drying effect of the solvents. While these alternatives are not as effective as acetone, they are still viable options for removing nail polish.
Other alternatives include using hairspray, aerosol deodorant, toothpaste, lemon juice, or hand sanitiser. Hairspray and deodorant are effective removers due to their high alcohol content. Lemon juice can be applied to a cotton ball and held against the nail until the polish softens and can be rubbed away. Toothpaste contains ethyl acetate, which is found in traditional nail polish removers, and can effectively remove nail polish. Finally, hand sanitiser contains alcohol, which acts as a solvent to break down the nail polish, making it easy to remove.
By avoiding nail polish and acetone removers, and opting for alternative removal methods, you can help reduce discolouration and improve the overall health of your nails.
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See a doctor for persistent discolouration
While nail discolouration is usually harmless, it can sometimes indicate an underlying health condition. Therefore, it is important to seek medical advice if you notice persistent discolouration or other changes to your nails.
A change in the colour, texture, or shape of your nails can be a sign of disease. For example, white spots or lines on your nails, known as leukonychia, can be caused by nail injury, fungal infections, or mineral deficiency. Although common and usually harmless, it is still advisable to consult a doctor or podiatrist for an examination and proper diagnosis.
Yellowing of the nails can indicate a fungal infection, which is a common issue, especially with toenails. This type of infection causes thickening and deformity of the nail plate, leading to discolouration. If home remedies are ineffective, a dermatologist can advise on appropriate antifungal medication and tailor the treatment to the specific type of fungus.
Nail discolouration can also be a side effect of certain medications. For example, chemotherapy drugs can cause changes in nail colour, and they may also slow down nail growth or even stop it completely. If you suspect that your medication is affecting your nails, consult your doctor to discuss alternative treatment options.
In some cases, nail discolouration can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. For instance, "Terry's nails," a type of leukonychia, is characterised by washed-out nail beds with a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. This condition is often associated with chronic illnesses such as liver failure or diabetes. Therefore, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation and treatment if you notice this type of nail discolouration.
While most nail changes are normal, it is always better to be cautious when it comes to your health. If you are concerned about persistent nail discolouration or other nail abnormalities, it is best to consult a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment plan.
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Frequently asked questions
If your nail discolouration is accompanied by pain, tenderness, swelling, or discharge, seek medical attention immediately. If your nails have been discoloured for a long time and are not improving with over-the-counter treatments, you should also see a doctor.
There are several at-home remedies for whitening nails, including:
- Soaking nails in diluted vinegar (1 part vinegar, 4 parts water)
- Applying a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice
- Using whitening toothpaste as a nail mask
- Soaking nails in a mixture of baking soda, Epsom salt, hydrogen peroxide, white vinegar, and hot water
- Applying tea tree oil mixed with coconut or olive oil
To prevent nail discolouration, avoid walking barefoot in public places and always wear clean socks. When doing chores, wear gloves to protect your nails from potential trauma and chemicals. Avoid using nail polish and acetone nail polish removers, as these can cause staining.
If your nail discolouration is caused by a fungal infection, your doctor may recommend antifungal medication in either topical or oral form. Laser treatment is another option, as it allows anti-fungal topical treatments to penetrate the nail plate more effectively.
If your nails are mostly white, you may have what is known as Terry's nails. This condition is often seen in people with liver disease or kidney disease, but it can also be a part of the natural ageing process.
