Yellow toenails are often caused by onychomycosis, a fungal infection that can cause your toenails to thicken and turn yellow. If you’re dealing with yellow toenails, you’re probably eager to find a solution.
Many people want to know how to get rid of yellow toenails quickly and restore their toenails to their original appearance. This article explores the causes of yellow toenails, what you can do to treat them at home, what treatments a doctor can offer, and how to prevent infections in the future.
What causes yellow toenails?
If your toenails are yellow, it’s probably onychomycosis, a fungal infection. Fungi love warm, damp places, and your toenails are often the perfect environment for them to thrive.
There are several types of fungi that can cause onychomycosis, but one of the most common types is called dermatophytes.
Fungus is the most common cause of yellow toenails, but there are other, less common, causes as well.
These include:
- nail trauma or injury
- psoriasis
- diabetes
- circulatory problems
- certain medical conditions
Identifying a Fungal Nail Infection
So, you think you have a fungal nail infection? The telltale signs are pretty obvious: yellowing of the nail, thickening, and a general brittleness, though some may choose to use fake toenails to cover fungus. But before you jump to conclusions (and start treating it!), let’s make sure that’s actually what’s going on.
A fungal infection can also make your nail look misshapen or even detach from the nail bed. If you’re seeing these symptoms, it’s a good idea to get a diagnosis from a doctor. They can take nail clippings and test them to confirm it’s a fungus.
Home remedies for yellow toenails
If you want to try treating your yellow toenails at home, there are several options.
Topical treatments
- Tea tree oil. Tea tree oil is a natural antifungal. You can apply it directly to the affected toenails twice a day.
- Vicks VapoRub. In a 2011 study, Vicks VapoRub showed a “positive clinical effect” in treating toenail fungus. Apply it to the affected area every day.
- Apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties. You can soak your foot in a diluted solution of one part vinegar to two parts water, similar to some foot soak solutions that actually help fight nail fungus.
Other home remedies include snakeroot extract, oregano oil, garlic, and ozonized oils.
Important considerations
Keep in mind that home remedies may take longer to work than prescription treatments. You’ll also want to be extra careful when using home remedies if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Talk with your doctor before you begin to treat your toenails at home.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Treatments
If you want to try treating your yellow toenails at home, you can find a variety of OTC antifungal creams, gels, and nail polishes. These topical treatments are often effective for mild infections where the fungus hasn’t deeply invaded the nail.
Keep in mind that these treatments take time, and it may be several months before you see visible improvements. Consistency is key!
Prescription treatments for toenail fungus
If home remedies don’t work, a visit to a doctor might be in order. They can prescribe stronger medication to fight the fungus.
Topical prescription medications
Prescription-strength topical treatments such as amorolfine, efinaconazole, tavaborole, and ciclopirox are more potent than over-the-counter remedies. Keep in mind that clinical cure rates for these treatments range from 35% to 60%.
Oral antifungal medications
For severe cases, doctors often prescribe oral antifungal medications like terbinafine, fluconazole, and itraconazole. While these medications tend to have higher cure rates (around 80%), they can also cause side effects, including headaches, rash, and stomach upset.
Regular blood tests may be necessary to check your liver function during treatment.
Other treatment options: laser therapy and surgical removal
Laser therapy
Laser therapy is another option for treating toenail fungus, and some studies show a clinical cure rate of 60-75%. It works by targeting the fungus with concentrated light, aiming to kill it without damaging the surrounding tissue.
Surgical nail removal
In severe cases where other treatments haven’t worked, your doctor might recommend surgically removing the infected nail. This is generally a last resort because, well, who wants to have their toenail removed?
Preventing toenail fungus
Good foot hygiene is key for preventing toenail fungus.
Here are some tips to keep your feet in good shape:
- Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between your toes.
- Wear clean socks every day.
- Choose shoes that let your feet breathe.
- Consider using antifungal powders or sprays.
- Don’t share nail clippers or other personal care items with anyone.
- Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in public showers and locker rooms.
- Treat athlete’s foot right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hydrogen peroxide get rid of toenail fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide might lighten the yellow discoloration of toenails, but it’s generally not effective at completely eradicating a fungal infection. While it has some antifungal properties, it’s often too mild to penetrate deeply enough to kill the fungus at its source.
How do you get rid of yellow toenails overnight?
Unfortunately, there’s no magic overnight cure for yellow toenails, especially if the discoloration is due to a fungal infection. True healing takes time and consistent treatment. Any product promising instant results is likely overstating its effectiveness.
Can you scrape out toenail fungus?
While you can carefully file down the surface of the nail to remove some of the discolored or thickened areas, you shouldn’t attempt to “scrape out” the fungus. This can damage the nail bed and increase the risk of infection. It’s best to leave this to a podiatrist who can safely debride the nail if necessary.
How long does it take to get rid of yellow toenails?
The time it takes to get rid of yellow toenails varies depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Fungal infections are notoriously slow to treat, often taking several months to a year to clear completely. Patience and consistent application of prescribed or over-the-counter treatments are key.
Can toothpaste get rid of yellow nails?
Toothpaste is a common home remedy for whitening teeth, but it’s not a proven treatment for yellow toenails. While some ingredients in toothpaste might have mild abrasive or whitening properties, they’re unlikely to be effective against a fungal infection or other underlying cause of nail discoloration.
To Conclude
Treating toenail fungus takes time and patience. It can be hard to get rid of it completely, and it’s possible for the infection to come back.
If you’ve tried treating your yellow toenails yourself and they aren’t getting better, or if they’re getting worse, talk to your doctor. This is especially important if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Taking steps to prevent toenail fungus can help you avoid these infections in the future. Good hygiene and proper foot care can go a long way!