Yellow Cuticles

Yellow cuticles are also known as yellow nail syndrome that is a rare condition caused by malformations which mostly affects finger nails and toe nails. These conditions may affect the lungs, swelling can be observed in some parts of body.

This yellow cuticle usually seen in adults who are older. This is the condition seen on nails the yellow coloured, thickened, and curved nails which almost stopped their growth. Loss of strip on skin at base or on sides of fingernail this condition may occur.

This syndrome is associated with accumulation of fluid in the membranes that are surrounded with lungs and also the lining of chest cavity. The lining of chest cavity is also known as pleural effusion. This effusion can cause shortness of breath, pain in chest, and cough related issues.

There may be may health issues occurring just because of the yellow cuticles the main issues are chronic infection, inflammation sensation while breathing and may also cause infection in lungs.

The one who are suffering from this yellow nail syndrome can have a back ground of respiratory problems before you observe any characteristics on nail findings. They may also notice swelling of arms and legs due to the accumulation of some fluids in the body which is known as lymph.

With this syndrome mainly legs are affected. The set of lymphedema may occur while you hit puberty. The areas on the body which are affected by lymphedema may feel heavy or tight at times. The cause of syndrome is not exactly known, in most cases they may occur for no reason. Some of the sources say that yellow nail syndrome is a genetic disorder.

Yellow skin around nails:

There are so many reasons to turn your nails into yellow colour making it look like a yellow nail paint. But that may be an infection or any underlying disease that made to turn your nails yellow.

Any changes can be noticed to your nails where it isn’t obvious like colour changes, crumbling, and thickening that should be get clarified by any dermatologist in case you feel like there is a need of it.

The sooner you notice the nails and figure out the cause of it, the sooner you can get back your fresh nails and your health back on the track.

There are several possible reasons to notice that yellow tint on your nails which dermatologists may share when you visit clinic. We are gonna share some of them here:

Wearing nail polish regularly can make your nails turn yellow. The dye that is used in the nail paint may interact with the keratin present in the nails which causes yellow discoloration and brittleness on your nails. Acetone present in the nail polish remover makes the condition even worse.

The upper part of your nail only gets affected so to get rid of this avoid nail polish and let your nails breathe for some time. In mean while the stained part will grow out. To prevent the yellow nails, apply a clear base coat before you apply any nail polish make sure you don’t always choose a dark coloured one.

The other reason to turn your nails is that fungal infection where fungus occupies the nail and thickens the nail by accumulation of debris under nail which makes to look yellow. Doctors can examine your nails and determine what type of fungus it is and treats you accordingly.

Also Read: Home Remedies for Upset Stomach and Diarrhea

Yellow fingernails vitamin deficiency:

The major reason for the cause of yellow nails is vitamin deficiency. Malnutrition affects the growth of nails and leads to yellow discoloration of nails. Blood tests helps in finding which vitamin deficiency are you suffering from. After it is known then use of required supplements for several weeks or months helps to overcome the vitamin deficiency.

Yellow Cuticles

The yellow nail syndrome is very rare condition and it can randomly happen to anyone and run in families. Along with yellow tinted nails one may also experience breathing problems, sinusitis and swelling in legs. This syndrome can be generally seen in middle aged people.

Thyroid disease may also lead to some nail issues like yellowing and thickening at the edge of nails. If a person is suffering from Diabetics, they are likely to have yellow nails as they tend to develop fungus in nails easily because of their compromised immune system.

If you suffering from any of the above problems you need to get checked them immediately with some blood tests done. While constant monitoring of these diseases the appearance of nails may improve in time.

If there is any vitamin deficiency or suffering from any health issues get medical help immediately as they may lead to several huge health issues in future. Visit clinic to get the tests done and determine from what your are suffering and use medications properly as advised by the doctor.

What causes nails to turn yellow:

As we have seen a lot of possibilities above that can cause your nails to turn yellow without any prior information. So, if you are doing any of the above-mentioned things or suffering from any disease you are likely to notice yellow tint on your nails to indicate the signs that something is happening with your body.

One of the most common things to cause yellow nails is fungal infection. At initial stages, if you don’t identify the infection this situation becomes worsen leading to yellow nails cause the nail bed may retract causing them to thicken and crumble. In some rare cases, yellow nails indicate the most serious situation like thyroid disease, lung disease, and diabetics.

If you notice yellow nails try curing them from the beginning itself because as time is passing the situation may become even worsen.

How to get rid of yellow nails:

There are several home remedies available that you can use for making your yellow nails to turn whiten at home.

You can use denture cleaners to get rid of stain on your nails by soaking them in the denture cleanser as it contains dilute sodium hypochlorite which is mild beach so, it works on any surface to remove stains.

You can also soak your nails in hydrogen peroxide combined with baking soda. This mixture works wonders as stain remover. Dip your nails into this solution for 10 mins then wash your hands with clean water by using soap after that pat dry your nails and apply mild moisturizer to make look them soften.

At times lemon juice can also work wonders on your nails along with soapy water to get rid of stains. The acidic properties in the lemon juice will start dissolving the stain particles from nails. Soak your nails in this solution for 5 mins and wash your hands with clean water later on, apply a mild moisturizer.

Use white vinegar to get rid of stains on your nails. Coloured vinegars may even stain the nails so try using white vinegar. As the mild acid present in vinegar reacts against the stains and help in getting rid of them. Soak your nails in vinegar for 8 to 10 minutes and them wash with clean water dab on some moisturizer.

Scrub your nails very often to get rid of all the dirt particles present on the nails or under the cuticles. You can do this once in every week for good results.

The above is some of the most commonly used home-made remedies to get rid of the yellow stains on nails. As many people don’t tend to show interest on the yellow stained nails as they don’t always look nicer.

This yellow nail syndrome may equally affect both males and females in same numbers. More and more are being reported every year with this medical condition. While this condition is popularly occurring in older aged adults as they have several health issues in their old ages.

How to get diagnosed?

The diagnosis of this yellow nail syndrome can be done based on the clinical evaluation making a way to detailed patient history of previous health problems and identification of several characteristics leading to cause yellow nails.

To get treated in proper there is a need to find the symptoms causing the yellow coloured nails that are noticed in each individual. Treatment may include several different types of therapies whereas antibiotic therapies is recommended for respiratory infections. These yellow coloured nails can also be improved without any medications or doctor’s therapy where these changes may be permanent in some cases.

Vitamin E plays a very important role in getting rid of the yellow nail syndrome. Do not use any medications on your own get a suggestion from your doctor before using any of the medications as they may cause side effects.

Always get tested and determine the cause of changes happening in your body at early stages to avoid any serious health conditions causing in long run. Focus on your health majorly than any other thing.

There is no need to panic about any health disease if you can notice any health issue in early stage. Every disease is curable in its starting stages of life. After all, health is the most important thing that is to be taken care of.

Have a good life!

Eat healthy to stay healthy!!

Apple Cider Vinegar for Toenail Fungus

Is toenail fungus harmful? What are the different treatments for it? Is apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus a good idea? What are different ways of using ACV for toenail fungus? Let’s try to answer all these questions.

Fungal infection is one of the most common problems affecting toenails, and sometimes, fingernails as well. Factors like moist, warm and dark environments, improper hygiene etc. are usually responsible for the infection of toenails. The nails start looking extra white or yellow with irregular patches all around. It is not a serious problem, but if left untreated, can cause various problems like discolouration of surrounding skin, pain, toenail edges, and even crumbling of nails.

You can treat toenail fungus in a lot of different ways. Still, apple cider vinegar can be a very potent remedy, especially if used with some other natural remedies with powerful bleaching properties.

In this guide, we will tell you everything about the fungal infection of toenails, what are the causes, and how you can use different natural remedies for toenail fungus in different effective ways.

What are the causes of toenail fungus?

A wide range of fungal organisms or fungi can cause toenail fungal infection. But dermatophyte is responsible for most of the cases along with yeast and moulds being other secondary causes of infection.

Irrespective of what causes toenail fungus, older people are more affected than the adults because their nails get brittle and dry with time. Fungi get entry underneath the nails through breaks and pores and cause the infection. Some other responsible factors are disturbed blood circulation due to thrombosis and weakened immune system.

Foot fungus or athlete’s foot usually paves the way for infection, and it can affect multiple nails within a few weeks. It very rarely transmits from one person to another.

You Are at Risk of Developing if:

  • You are older and have been exposed to fungi for so many years
  • Sweat heavily and frequently
  • History of athlete’s foot
  • Skin conditions like injury, eczema and psoriasis etc. are left untreated
  • You walk barefoot usually in damp areas, gyms, washrooms, and swimming pools etc.
  • Have diabetes, weakened immune system, and blood circulation problems for so long.

Also Read: Is Apple Cider Vinegar Really Good Against Shingles?

Complications of Toenail Fungus:

Toenail fungus very rarely gets severe, especially if left untreated. And complications of toenail fungus can be permanent damage to affected nails, painful toes and fingers, discomfort while walking, and very brittle and soft nails etc.

How can Apple Cider Vinegar be effective against toenail fungus?
  • Fungi usually thrive in an alkaline environment. Being acidic in nature, ACV can increase the pH of skin surrounding your nails and can effectively kill the fungi.
  • Thanks to the anti-inflammatory properties, ACV can also improve pain and inflammation caused by infection.
  • Anti-bacterial prowess of apple cider vinegar can kill bacteria, germs, and other infection-causing micro-organisms.
  • ACV can also prevent the further development of infection.

How to Use Apple Cider Vinegar for Toenail Fungus?

Using diluted apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus can be as effective as it gets. But you can get even better results by combining ACV with different home remedies. Here are some DIY ACV recipes to get rid of the infection of toenails.

Toenail Fungus

1. ACV with Water

  • Add equal parts of diluted ACV to water
  • Take water in a wide pot and soak your feet in the solution for about half an hour
  • Remove your feet and pat dry with a towel or a soft cloth
  • Repeat this method every day for three to four weeks and notice the difference

2. ACV and Cotton Swab

  • Dip a cotton swab into one tbsp diluted ACV
  • Apply the swab onto the infected nails
  • Leave for a few minutes to dry out
  • Repeat these steps a couple of times a day for a few weeks

3. ACV with Baking Soda

Using apple cider vinegar and baking soda for toenail fungus is another smart idea. Thanks to its fungistatic properties, baking soda can gel very well with ACV to get rid of fungal nail infection

  • Add one cup ACV and one tbsp baking soda to one cup of water
  • Mix well and soak your nails for about fifteen minutes.
  • Take your foot out and pat dry with a soft cloth.

Alternatively,

  • Make a fine paste by mixing diluted ACV with baking soda
  • Apply the paste on infected nails to cover them completely.
  • Leave for about twenty minutes before washing with freshwater and pat dry.
  • Repeat the process twice every day to get back your shiny, pinkish, healthy nails.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar and Manuka Honey

Manuka honey is also one of the most effective home remedies to treat nail fungus. Various researches suggest that honey can kill fungus and other infection-causing bacteria. Being a natural antiseptic and high in hydrogen peroxide, honey can effectively get rid of toenail fungus.

  • Add one tbsp manuka honey totwo tbsp diluted apple cider vinegar
  • Mix well, and add one glass of warm water, and mix again
  • Drink this mixture to effectively attack fungi from inside

5. The mixture of ACV, Lemon Juice and Listerine

In addition to strong detoxifying properties, lemon is also known for powerful anti-fungal prowess too. Lemon can stimulate the action of fungi and can be even more effective if used with apple cider vinegar for toenail fungus. On the other hand, Listerine is a very potent antiseptic and can easily kill bacteria, germs as well as fungus.

  • Add one tbsp each of diluted ACV, lemon juice and Listerine, and mix properly.
  • Soak your toes in the water for about half an hour.
  • Remove your feet and gently scrub to remove the leftovers.
  • Pat your feet dry completely with a towel.
  • Repeat these steps twice a day for three to four weeks to get the desired results.

6. Apple Cider Vinegar and Epsom Salt:

Epsom salt is another one of the most effective home remedies to treat nail fungus. It has been used to treat fungal infections and wounds for a long time now. It is used specially to draw out the infection and make it easier for antibiotics and other infection medications to work on infections. Epsom salt can make the environment difficult for fungal growth by drawing out the moisture. You can increase its effectiveness by using it with apple cider vinegar. Here is how:

  • Add 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar to 1/3 cup of Epsom salt and 2 cups of hot water.
  • Stir the mixture well and wait for a few minutes until water is at a comfortable temperature.
  • Soak your nails in the water for about half an hour.
  • Repeat these steps two times a day continuously for a few days.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar with Hydrogen Peroxide and Borax

What is the most effective treatment for toenail fungus?

If you are looking for the most potent way of treating toenail fungus, this mixture can be the answer for you. Hydrogen peroxide is very good at killing fungus on your foot surface, and can even kill other infection-causing bacteria.

On the other hand, borax or boric acid is a capable remedy, especially for yeast infections of the feet. You can even try borax as a second-line treatment when other medicines don’t work. If you are annoyed with recurrence of infection from Candida fungi, you should give a try to borax at least once.

In short, using ACV with hydrogen peroxide and borax is surely a compelling way of treating toenail fungus.

Ingredients

  • Two tbsp borax
  • Equal parts of diluted ACV and water
  • A little amount of 3% diluted hydrogen peroxide

Directions

  • Dissolve borax into hot water for a couple of minutes.
  • Add a little more water along with ACV and mix again.
  • Add hydrogen peroxide and keep stirring the mixture.
  • Now, soak your toenails for about 45 minutes.
  • Repeat these steps every day until you get rid of the infection.

Some Prevention Tips

Prevention of toenail fungus is quite possible as well as easy. Here is how you can adopt some habits to prevent toenail fungus

  • Don’t forget to wash your hands and feet regularly.
  • Keep them moisturized by applying a good quality moisturizer.
  • Try wearing sweat-absorbing socks.
  • Wear shoes made with breathable material.
  • Don’t go in water or damp areas without footwear.

Toenail infection is more of a lifestyle problem than anything. And if you had the question “can apple cider vinegar heal toenail fungus?”, hopefully, you have now got the answer. Yes, ACV does help in treating the infection and can be even more potent if used with some other natural disinfectants. Use ACV according to your ease and choice and get rid of this infection within a few weeks. If you have anything to ask or suggest, don’t forget to hit the comment section. We will catch up with you pretty soon.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/top-raw-honey-benefits#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20raw,for%20these%20kinds%20of%20infections.

https://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/10-foods-combat-candida

https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-for-athletes-foot#otc

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325518#:~:text=Boric%20acid%20is%20an%20effective,is%20available%20as%20vaginal%20suppositories.

This is what Your Fingernails Are Warning you About: Organ failure, Inflammation, or Worse?

In this article we will learn about how the finger nails are warning about several diseases on health.

First thing is to keep a look on our nails and scrutinize each of them. Carefully check whether the nails are affected with curve, dip, ridge, and groove.

Check out your nails whether they are thin or thick and also check whether they are broken or chipped. Check the colour of the nail and make a note of the colour surrounding on it and skin underneath also.

If you want to know more about this sign’s let’s see what they are;

8 Fingernails Warning Sign’s

1 Discolored Nail

Discolored Nail

A finger nail should consist of pink colour with white moons near base. In case if your nails are affected with another colour, it says that you have a hidden health issue.

  • Indication of green nails shows that bacterial infection.
  • Dull nails indication shows that there is vitamin deficiency.
  • Indication of bluish nails shows the sign of low oxygen level in blood.
  • White nails indicate the liver disease like hepatitis.
  • Indication of red streaks in the nail bed shows heart valve infection.

2 Thick Nails

Thick Nail

These nails are not natural, most of the people want to have their nails strong, but if they resembles claws, talons and more than other nails.

  • Thicken nails typically indicates the lung disease.
  • Thick and rough nails can also point to fungal diseases.
  • Thick and separated nails also indicate the thyroid disease.
  • Indication of unusually thick nails may also leads to circulation problem.

3 Split Nails

Split Nails

One of the most common issues is that nails flakes away in layer. This problem is creating from using of nail polish and leads to side effects.

  • These spilt nails may also be caused by chronic malnutrition.
  • Split and flaky nails are indicating that your body lacks folic acid, vitamin C, and proteins.

4 Concave (Spoon) Nails

Concave - Spoon Nails

These concave nails are commonly in curved up, bent up, plunge shape they indicates a wide range of interior issues such as

  • Heart problems.
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Lack of iron.

5 Pitted Nail

Pitted Nail

Pitted nail is generally characterised by depression in surface of the nail.

If you have small dips on your nails, it means you have injured from health diseases. Let’s see what they are;

  • Lack of zinc
  • Connective tissue disorder
  • Psoriasis

 6 Ridges

Ridges

If your nails are enough strong and healthy they should be smooth and invisible lines across them. If you notice any ridge lines on your nails they may be dealing with;

  • Lupus
  • Iron deficiency
  • Inflammatory arthritis

7 Dry, Brittle Nail

Dry, Brittle Nail

If you have any dry and brittle nails, this indicates that you are suffering from bacterial infection, or else leading with hormone imbalance.

  • Thyroid disease may also cause due to brittle nails.
  • Some diseases are also associated with changes in nails, which can include brittleness.

8 Clubbed Nail

Clubbed Nail

In these clubbed nails they are affected with puffed around the finger. The skin around the nail is swollen, these clubbed nails are warning sing’s of;

  • Lung diseases
  • AIDS
  • Liver problems
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases

This is what Your Fingernails Are Warning you

What Causes Dents in Fingernails?

Well manicured nails attract eye balls and leave good impression. But, what causes dents in fingernails? Can you ignore them?

Similar to hair and skin, nails are made of many layers of keratin. This hardened protein isn’t just for nail polish; it also protects nerves and nail bed.

As they say, “fingernails are mirror to your health”. Black lines, dents and ridges on fingernails denote unhealthiness.

Dents in fingernails are caused by physical trauma, injury, nail biting, ailments or due to low vitamin intake.

Minor or major injury over nails may result in ridged nail plate. Apart from that, eating habits and dehydration can affect your nail color. Increase your vitamin intake and drink enough water to overcome this issue.

dents-in-fingernails

According to MedlinePlus, major injuries leave permanent dent. Only through surgery normal fingernail can obtained.

Immersing fingernails in water for longer period can result in ridged and weak nails. Experts recommend wearing rubber gloves while doing domestic works.

Long manicure or pedicure can weaken nail plate and results in brittle or uneven nails.

Psoriasis

Often a dent is formed over fingernails due to this chronic skin ailment. Your skin turns scaly with dry patches. It also affects on nails and scalp.

These dents are small and can be recovered to normal state, if you treat psoriasis. However, you can’t permanently treat psoriasis. Medication by physician and home remedies can reduce its signs and symptoms.

Incontinentia Pigmenti

A wart like rash can be appeared over the skin. This inherited disorder isn’t common and researcher are going on.

People with this ailment will experience skin discoloration patches or hyperpigmentation in childhood, while they reach adulthood wart like rashes are formed. Also dents on fingernails and abnormality of eyes can be experienced. (1)

Alopecia Areata

It’s a spot baldness disorder affecting hair. If this auto immune disease is mild, then you can expect hair in few months. Else, the ailment can process to alopecia areata totalis.

As nails and hair are formed by kertain, person will experience dent or ridged nails. (2)

Apart from this, diabetes, cancer and other ailments may result in dent fingernails. You must check with your physician for diagnosis.