
Yellow toenails can be caused by excessive nail polish use, but they can also be a sign of a fungal infection or an underlying health condition such as diabetes, lung infection, damaged airways, liver disease, skin conditions, thyroid problems or a rare disorder called yellow nail syndrome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Excessive nail polish use, fungal infection, underlying health condition |
| Underlying health condition | Yellow nail syndrome, diabetes, tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, jaundice, psoriasis, thyroid problems |
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What You'll Learn

Fungal infections
Yellow toenails can be a sign of a fungal infection. One of the most common causes of yellow toenails is a fungal infection called onychomycosis, which is more common in adults than children. Fungal infections can cause the nails to become discoloured, thickened, and slow-growing. They may also have ridges or indentations and can turn black or green.
It is important to note that yellow toenails can also be caused by other factors, such as excessive nail polish use or underlying health conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, or respiratory issues. If you are concerned about yellow toenails, it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if other symptoms are present.
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Yellow nail syndrome
Fungal infections are a common cause of yellow toenails, with onychomycosis being the most common type of fungal infection affecting the nails. This type of infection is more common in adults than in children.
Excessive use of nail polish, particularly red, yellow, or orange polish, can also cause toenails to appear yellow. While this may look unpleasant, it is usually harmless.
In some cases, yellow toenails may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, jaundice, psoriasis, or thyroid problems. It is important to see a doctor if you have yellow toenails and suspect an underlying health condition, as you may need a prescription to treat the condition.
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Excessive nail polish use
Yellow toenails can be caused by excessive nail polish use, particularly if you use red, yellow or orange nail polish. Although yellow toenails caused by nail polish are usually harmless, they can look unpleasant. Nails are typically translucent, with the pinkish flesh underneath clearly visible, but they can turn yellow for several different reasons.
Toenails can also turn yellow as a symptom of an underlying medical condition. One of the most common causes of yellow toenails is a fungal infection called onychomycosis, which is more common in adults than children. Yellow nail syndrome (YNS)> is a rarer cause of yellow toenails, but it is more closely related to respiratory disorders and lymphoedema (swelling and fluid buildup). In people with these conditions, it is likely that other symptoms will also occur.
Yellow toenails can also be a symptom of diabetes, which weakens the immune system and makes you more susceptible to infection. They can also be caused by other medical issues, such as tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, jaundice, psoriasis and thyroid problems.
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Underlying health conditions, such as diabetes
Yellow toenails can be a symptom of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes. In some cases, diabetes can cause yellow toenails because it weakens the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infection. More often, however, yellow toenails are the result of sugar breakdown and how it affects collagen (a protein in your nail tissue).
Toenails are typically translucent, with the pinkish flesh underneath clearly visible. However, it is possible for toenails to turn yellow for several different reasons. One of the most common causes of yellow toenails is a fungal infection called onychomycosis, which happens more frequently in adults than in children. Other common causes include excessive nail polish use, particularly red, yellow, or orange nail polish. Although yellow toenails resulting from too much nail polish are usually harmless, it is important to be aware of other potential underlying health conditions.
In rare cases, yellow toenails can be a sign of a disorder called yellow nail syndrome (YNS). Doctors don't know exactly what causes YNS, but people who have it experience pale yellow and green discolouration, severe thickening of the nail, inhibited nail growth, and separation between the nail and nail bed. YNS is more closely related to respiratory disorders and lymphedema (swelling and fluid buildup).
Other medical issues that may cause yellow nails include tuberculosis (lung infection), bronchiectasis (damaged airways), jaundice (liver disease), psoriasis (skin condition causing scaly patches), and thyroid problems. Additionally, the natural ageing process can cause toenails to become thicker and discoloured due to diminished blood flow.
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Natural ageing processes
Yellow toenails can be caused by the natural ageing process, which causes diminished blood flow and toenails to become thicker. However, yellow toenails can also be caused by excessive nail polish use, particularly red, yellow or orange nail polish. This is usually harmless.
Yellow toenails can also be a sign of an underlying health condition, such as diabetes, which weakens the immune system and makes you more susceptible to infection. It can also be a result of sugar breakdown and how it affects collagen, a protein in your nail tissue. Other medical issues that may cause yellow toenails include tuberculosis, bronchiectasis, jaundice, psoriasis, and thyroid problems.
In rare cases, yellow toenails can be a sign of a disorder called yellow nail syndrome (YNS), which is characterised by yellow, curved, thickened nails that grow slowly, along with other symptoms like respiratory problems.
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Frequently asked questions
Yellow toenails can be caused by excessive nail polish use, fungal infections, or underlying health conditions such as diabetes or yellow nail syndrome.
Yellow nail syndrome is a rare disorder characterised by yellow, curved, thickened nails that grow slowly. It is often associated with respiratory problems and lymphoedema (swelling and fluid buildup).
Yes, yellow toenails can also be caused by natural ageing processes, resulting in diminished blood flow and thicker toenails.
If you suspect that your yellow toenails are caused by anything other than excessive nail polish use, it is recommended to consult a doctor as you may require a prescription to treat the underlying condition.










































