When the weather is warm, people feel comfortable wearing sandals and open shoes, and this is the time to make sure that your toenails are in good shape. There are several reasons why your toenails may turn yellow, but preventing this problem and cleaning your toenails is very easy.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Yellowed Toenails
Step 1. Yellow toenails are usually caused by a fungal infection
Mold grows in moist environments with a high pH level, so sweat-soaked socks, for example, are perfect places for mold to grow. Fungal infections usually present with other symptoms, such as nails that are hard or break easily, or nails that fall off and peel easily. Other things that cause yellow toenails are:
- Too often use nail polish so that it leaves stains on toenails.
- Diabetic disease.
- "Yellow Toenails" syndrome, which is a genetic disease.
- Lymphedema (chronic leg swelling).
Step 2. Use an antifungal cream in mild cases
If your nails are not brittle or break easily, you can treat them with over-the-counter creams. Two of the most popular creams are "Mycocide NS" and "Nonyx" nail creams/gels. You have to apply it twice a day for a few weeks.
Step 3. Check with your doctor or foot specialist to get the right prescription
Although there are several antifungal creams available at pharmacies, you will need to see your doctor for a stronger cream to treat the fungus under your toenails. Drugs that are well known include:
"Cicloprox" (generic name), "Zetaclear", "Sporanox", and "Lamisil"
Step 4. Curing a yeast infection takes time
You'll need to kill all the fungus present to cure the infection, otherwise it could happen again. Continue treatment and be patient until you are sure that the infection is gone. This treatment can last for several months.
If your toenails are still yellow or peeling after a few weeks, see a podiatrist again
Step 5. If you always feel pain when walking, remove the toenail surgically
This is best done as a last resort, as it can take almost a year for the new nail to grow back. But if you are already in a lot of pain, this is the best way.
Method 2 of 3: Prevent Yellow Toenails
Step 1. Quit smoking
Smoking causes discoloration of the skin, nails, and hair. Quitting smoking is the fastest way to restore the original color of your nails.
Step 2. Reduce the use of nail polish
Nail polish will cover the nail and block the entry of oxygen to the nail so that later it can lead to infection. Leave your nails without nail polish for a few days, as this will keep them healthy.
Step 3. Change soiled and wet socks
Dirty, wet socks are a breeding ground for mold. If you wear socks that are dirty and damp, you can get an infection, so wear dry and clean socks as much as possible.
Step 4. Choose shoes with materials that have good air circulation and ventilation
Sneakers, open shoes, and most sports shoes are made of breathable and breathable materials, so the wind can flow on your toes. Air circulation is important for healthy toenails.
Step 5. Clean your feet and toes while showering
Don't forget to scrub your fingers and toenails every time you shower to remove all bacteria, fungus, and dirt. Don't forget to clean your feet while doing your body hygiene routine.
Method 3 of 3: Home Remedies for Yellowing Nails
Step 1. Make your own antifungal cream
Pour 2½ tablespoons of baking soda into a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide, then mix well. Dip a cotton swab in the solution and apply the cotton to your toenails. Leave for 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Repeat every day.
You can also just use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide if you only have one. Just mix it with a small bowl of warm water, then apply it to your toenails
Step 2. Use a vinegar solution
Mix water and vinegar in a 3:1 ratio in a large bowl. Soak your feet in the solution for 4-5 minutes once a day. This can lower the pH level and kill the fungus on your feet.
Step 3. Use lemon juice
Soaking your nails in lemon juice will remove the yellow color from your nails. Soak your nails for 10-15 minutes every day until you are satisfied with the results.
Step 4. Use toothpaste
To remove stains from your nails, for example, for pink nail polish stains from red nail polish, try scrubbing your nails with toothpaste using a toothbrush. But this method is not able to remove stains that have existed for a long time.
Step 5. Polish your nails as a temporary solution
The top layer of your nail is where the yellow color is. Polishing your nails with a nail file removes the top layer of the nail and removes some of the stain. However, polishing nails is not recommended because it can make the nails brittle. If you choose to polish your nails, apply a transparent nail polish afterward.
