Yellow and damaged nails

 

Are your nails yellow, thickened, or damaged? This discoloration can affect both toenails and fingernails, and may have many causes: fungal infection (onychomycosis), repeated use of colored or semi-permanent nail polish, smoking, aging, zinc and biotin deficiencies, or systemic conditions such as psoriasis or yellow nail syndrome. 

At PODERM®, every treatment has been formulated to care for yellow nails and nail damage beyond the surface. We have selected natural active ingredients to help restore the nail plate and support long-lasting healthy nails. 

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Why do your fingernails turn yellow?

Nails turn yellow for two main reasons.

The most common external causes

  • Colored nail polish applied without a protective base coat (pigment penetrates the keratin)
  • Semi-permanent or gel polish (prolonged contact with resins)
  • Tobacco and nicotine (tar deposits on the nail plate)
  • Self-tanners, turmeric, curry (temporary discoloration, disappears in 2-3 weeks)

Internal causes

  • Nail fungus (onychomycosis): the nail turns yellow, thickens, and becomes brittle
  • Deficiencies in zinc, biotin, or B vitamins
  • Nail psoriasis, diabetes
  • Yellow nail syndrome, a rare disease associated with lymphedema

To learn more: Why do I have yellow nails? All causes explained

Yellow toenails: specific causes

Toenails turn yellow more often than fingernails because they are exposed to environments that promote fungal infections: closed shoes, humidity, swimming pools, changing rooms.

The main causes of yellow toenails are:

  • Onychomycosis (nail fungus) is the number one cause. The big toenail is most commonly affected. It yellows, thickens, and gradually detaches from the nail bed.
  • Thick, yellow nails: when a toenail is both yellow AND thick, it is an early sign of a fungal infection. A nail does not naturally turn yellow. Without treatment, the nail can become completely deformed.
  • Repeated trauma (running, overly tight shoes, etc.) can also cause a subungual hematoma that first turns brown, then yellow.

Are yellow nails a sign of a serious illness?

In the vast majority of cases, no. A yellow nail is often a sign of an identifiable cause (nail polish, tobacco, trauma) or a fungal infection requiring appropriate management. However, certain signs should prompt you to consult a doctor:

  • Yellow nail + shortness of breath + swollen legs: may suggest yellow nail syndrome
  • Yellow nail + red patches on the skin: may suggest nail psoriasis
  • Several nails yellowing simultaneously: systemic cause to be explored with your doctor
  • Yellow nail + pus + pain: possible bacterial infection, consult a doctor promptly

Can yellow nails be a sign of a fungal infection?

Yes, and it's one of the most common causes, especially for toenails.

How to recognize a nail fungus (onychomycosis):

  • The nail gradually yellows, starting from the free edge.
  • It thickens and becomes brittle (it crumbles when cut).
  • It may partially detach from the nail bed.
  • A slight odor may appear.

Discover all our nail fungus treatments in our dedicated category: https://www.poderm.com/collections/mycose-des-ongles  

What's the difference with a nail yellowed by polish?

Nail polish causes a uniform yellowing across the entire surface of the nail. A fungal infection, on the other hand, usually starts from one corner and the nail texture changes over time. We recommend consulting a podiatrist to establish a diagnosis.

Comment prendre soin de ses ongles jaunes ?

Si le jaunissement vient du vernis : 

  1. Cessez le vernis coloré 2 à 4 semaines 
  2. Appliquez un sérum Ongles Jaunes et Abimés tous les soirs sur l'ongle nu 

Si c'est une mycose : 

  1. Utilisez notre sérum Mycose de l’ongle pendant 3 à 6 mois 
  2. Coupez votre ongle pour optimiser le soin 
  3. En cas de résistance, consultez un podologue 

Si l'ongle est abîmé (semi-permanent, gel, traumatisme) : 

  1. Hydratez cuticules et matrice avec un sérum réparateur 
  2. Appliquez le sérum Ongles striés, cassants pendant la repousse 
  3. Évitez tout arrachage ou pose de faux ongles pendant 2 mois 

Comment prévenir le jaunissement des ongles ?
  • Appliquez toujours une base coat protectrice avant tout vernis coloré
  • Laissez vos ongles respirer 1 semaine entre deux poses de semi-permanent
  • Portez des tongs dans les piscines et vestiaires pour éviter la mycose
  • Séchez soigneusement vos pieds entre les orteils après la douche
  • Nourissez vos ongles régulièrement avec un sérum réparateur

Nos meilleurs conseils pour des ongles sains

Si vous avez les ongles jaunes ou abîmés :

  1. Identifier la cause avant de choisir le soin adapté. En cas de mycose nous vous recommandons de consulter un podologue pour valider le diagnostic.
  2. Laisser l'ongle respirer au moins 2 semaines sans vernis coloré
  3. Traiter la mycose en priorité si l'ongle est épais. Un soin cosmétique seul ne suffira pas
  4. Être patient et assidu : l'ongle met 6 mois (mains) à 12 mois (pieds) pour repousser complètement
  5. Maintenir une routine avec un sérum réparateur même après guérison

Our top tips for healthy nails

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Yellow nails can be a sign of various health issues or poor nail hygiene. To treat them effectively, using products specifically designed for yellow nails is essential. Yellow nails may result from dirt buildup, nail polish, or aging. In these cases, products formulated to brighten and strengthen yellow nails are crucial. They often contain ingredients like salicylic acid or hydrogen peroxide, which help remove stains and prevent their reappearance.

Moreover, these products are often enriched with vitamins and minerals that contribute to strengthening the nail structure, reducing their tendency to yellow. By regularly using treatments designed to combat yellow nails, you not only improve their appearance but also their overall health. It is also recommended to adopt a rigorous hygiene routine, including gentle products for yellow nails for cleaning, to maintain their natural shine. In summary, products for yellow nails are essential for treating and preventing nail yellowing while promoting their well-being.

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