Yellow spots on the nails

A change in the color of the nail plate is usually immediately noticeable, because we take care of our nails regularly, at least trim them every week. If the defect appears on the fingers, then its appearance is noticeable to others. Yellow spots on the nails, of course, can be hidden with bright varnish, but they cannot be ignored. Such defects can be caused by temporary and harmless reasons, however, yellowing of the nails can be a signal to us about a hidden serious disease. Nails, skin, hair are indicators that reflect disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.

A yellow spot can appear on one nail or several (local spots), and sometimes all nails turn yellow at once. This condition is called yellow nail syndrome and can indicate serious, life-threatening diseases, unless, of course, it happened after the new bright red nail polish was washed off.

Causes yellow spots on the nails

The most common external cause of yellowing of the nail plate in women is the constant painting of them with decorative varnish. This reaction is especially often caused by bright and saturated colors of varnish. Of course, the quality of the varnish matters, however, even from an expensive varnish applied to a protective base, nails can turn yellow. Other cosmetic tricks designed to decorate our nails - extensions, gluing, shellac (gel polish) and others can lead to the fact that after removing the coating, it will be discovered that the nails have an unaesthetic appearance. In this case, the cause of the problem is obvious, the nail plates on all fingers acquire an even yellowish tint, and sometimes, in addition to the color change, their structure is also damaged (delamination, cracks), the top layer of the nail plate is removed.

Cosmetology experts claim that if yellow spots appear on your nails after applying varnish, it is due to poor-quality varnish. Varnish may contain formaldehyde resins, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and other toxic substances. Basically, it is believed that they are contained in cheap varnishes, although particularly sensitive nails can turn yellow after an expensive one, especially a bright one. Yellow spots on nails after gel polish are even more likely, since this type of coating is even more likely to contain toxic substances and, unlike regular ones, lasts on nails for a much longer time. In addition to the toxic effect, gel polish completely blocks oxygen from reaching the nail. During application, nails are dried with an ultraviolet lamp, which has an expiration date (high-quality lamps are considered safe). It is drying under the lamp that causes complaints from medical critics. But the most traumatic moment is the removal of the coating, when the nails first need to be wrapped in a cotton pad soaked in liquid for removing the coating for at least a quarter of an hour, and ensure that there is no air access to them, and then scrape off the remains of the gel polish. The procedure is traumatic, you can lose the top layer of the nail plate. Doctors do not recommend constantly doing a manicure with the application of gel polish or shellac, as any gel polish is now often called (after the name of the first such product - Shellac).

Neglect of safety precautions at home and at work when working with aggressive chemicals - paint (including hair dye), cleaning agents, bleaches can cause the appearance of yellow spots on the nails.

The skin of heavy coffee drinkers acquires a yellowish tint, including under the nails (they acquire a yellowish tint) - pigmentation occurs. In smokers - the color of the nails and fingers changes to yellowish due to tobacco resins.

Active consumption of plant foods rich in carotene and carotenoids - carrots, sea buckthorn, fresh juices from them leads to yellowing of the epidermis. This is perhaps the most harmless cause of such a defect. Carotenoderma can also occur as a consequence of impaired absorption of vitamin A due to improper functioning of the digestive organs, when its excess in its unchanged form pigments the superficial layers of the epidermis.

The appearance of this defect may result from a course of antibiotics that belong to teracylcyclines and quinolones, nitrofuran derivatives, acriquine, ascorbic acid pills, carotene, and resorcinol treatment.

As a result of the preference for narrow models of shoes (especially high heels), the nail plates on the toes are subject to mechanical compression, turn yellow and become deformed. The nails of the big toe and little finger are most often affected.

Nails can turn yellow even under the influence of ultraviolet rays. However, if yellow spots on the nails did not appear immediately after the above-mentioned reasons, which can be considered relatively safe, then you should not count on the impact of ultraviolet rays. You need to contact a doctor with the problem and get examined, because a yellowish tint of the nails can indicate the presence of serious diseases.

Pathological causes of yellow spots are diseases of the nail plate itself or damage to internal organs, manifested by nail defects due to metabolic disorders and tissue trophism.

Fungal infection ( onychomycosis ) is the most common pathological cause of yellow nails. Yellow spots appear with epidermophytosis, candidiasis, mold fungus, mixed infection. You can become infected with fungus through non-sterile instruments during manicure and pedicure, or when the nail plate is injured.

Often the nail is affected as a result of the spread of infection from the skin when scratching, it is considered probable that the infection is carried with the bloodstream to the nail matrix area. Factors that contribute to the development of onychomycosis are hormonal and immune disorders, chronic dermatoses, and injuries.

Yellow spots on the nails can be caused by psoriasis. This is how onycholysis begins – the separation of the nails from their bed. Psoriatic onychodystrophy is sometimes observed only on the nails before the typical rash appears and often accompanies psoriatic arthropathy – one of the most severe forms of psoriasis.

The development of onychogryphosis - dystrophic changes in the nail plate, making it look like a bird's claw, begins with yellowing of the nails. There are many reasons for its development: from hereditary predisposition (extremely rare) to age-related features and psoriasis. Most often observed in elderly people.

Systemic diseases, acute and chronic, serious ones - syphilis, tuberculosis, milder ones - measles or rubella, diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, neoplasms, pathologies of the heart, blood vessels, joints, respiratory organs cause metabolic disorders, anemia and affect the condition of the nails - they can turn yellow.

Immunodeficiency acquired as a result of prolonged drug therapy, acute infections, viral hepatitis and HIV infection can also provoke such a symptom.

Yellow nail syndrome can be caused by lymph stagnation. If all the nails on one or both limbs have turned yellow, then lymphedema – stagnation of lymphatic fluid – can be suspected. Primary lymphedema, associated with congenital underdevelopment of the lymphatic system, usually manifests itself before the age of 35; secondary or acquired – most often affects people over 50, regardless of gender. Acquired lymphedema can be caused by obesity, malignant tumors, limb surgery, and mammary gland removal.

Other causes of yellowing of the nail plates may be: stagnation of bile as a result of neoplasms of the liver, gall bladder or bile ducts, circulatory disorders in the peripheral vessels, heredity and collagenoses.

In old age, nails thicken and turn yellow, however, we should not forget that along with advanced age we also acquire a bouquet of chronic pathologies.

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Risk factors

The risk factors for the appearance of yellowing of the nails of the upper and lower extremities are numerous, as is the pathogenesis of the development of such changes.

In case of neoplasms of the organs of the hepatobiliary system, yellow nail syndrome is caused by the fact that a mechanical obstacle to the free outflow of bile is created, stagnation occurs, and an excess amount of bile pigments is concentrated in the skin of the nail bed.

In general chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract, cardiovascular pathologies, intoxications, immunodeficiencies, age-related changes, hemosiderin accumulates under the nails - a product of the destruction of red blood cells that have gone beyond the vascular bed. It is assumed that its localization in the subungual bed is a consequence of circulatory disorders in the peripheral vessels.

With lymphedema, lymph flows beyond its normal course, disrupting lymph flow in the fingertips, soaking the skin under the nails and changing their color.

Dystrophic processes in the skin contribute to the accumulation of melanin under the nails. Skin cells receive it from melanocytes, which protect the epidermis from harmful exogenous effects, including ultraviolet rays. Under the influence of sunlight, melanin is intensively formed, it migrates to the skin cells, its excess is localized in the distal phalanges of the fingers.

In case of fungal infections, the color of the nail is determined by the type of fungus; yellowness is typical for epidermophytosis, rubromycosis, and candidiasis.

The appearance of a yellow tint on the nails indicates possible health problems and requires a thorough examination.

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Symptoms yellow spots on the nails

A healthy person's nails are a uniform pink color. A yellowish tint to them all or yellow spots on one or more plates - this is how the first signs of nail diseases, and sometimes of internal organs, may appear.

The pathological process begins with a change in the thickness of the nail. It becomes rougher and thicker or, conversely, thin and brittle, then its color changes. The nails become dull, acquire a rough surface, begin to peel and crumble.

If you notice that all nail plates look yellowish, such symptoms may be observed in systemic pathologies or, conversely, be the result of more harmless reasons - careless attitude to nails, reaction to a new varnish or a new cosmetic procedure. However, even in the latter case, changes occur in the nail plate and skin under the nails, accompanied by symptoms of dystrophy and allergization.

Yellow spots on nails after extensions, shellac, regular varnish, indicate that they have suffered from the toxicity of the applied coating and hypoxia. They require care and time for regeneration. The same approach is needed if the nails have suffered from contact with household chemicals, turned yellow after drug therapy or as a result of intensive smoking. In the latter case, time and care will not help, you need to quit smoking.

If you have not painted your nails and have not abused carrot juice and coffee, but yellowness is still present, you need to see a doctor, because such a defect can be a symptom of a serious disease. It is possible that yellow spots on the nails are the first signs of a latent pathological process.

Yellowing of the nail plates on all extremities may be a sign of obstructive jaundice or viral hepatitis. In this case, accompanying symptoms may include nausea, bitterness in the mouth, discomfort or abdominal pain.

Stagnation of lymphatic fluid leads to yellowing of the nails on the affected limb. This is one of the first symptoms. Lymphedema is usually combined with rapidly increasing edema. This disorder can be observed on one limb, most often the legs are affected.

General diseases that do not initially give pronounced symptoms may attract attention by the fact that the skin under the nails has turned yellow (hemosiderosis). This may be the first sign of a developing neoplasm, cardiovascular or respiratory pathologies. Concomitant symptoms in this case are rapid fatigue, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, unobtrusive cough.

The appearance of persistent yellowing of nails, which cannot be associated with recent manipulations with nails, work with household chemicals and other “harmless” reasons, should definitely alert you and prompt you to seek medical attention.

Yellow spots on the toenails appear first in systemic pathologies, since the disturbance of peripheral blood circulation begins from the more distant periphery.

It is quite possible that lymphostasis of the leg will develop, especially if yellowing is observed on the nails of one limb.

The cause of a yellowish tint to the nails may be diabetes mellitus, which primarily affects the lower limbs.

Hemosiderosis of the skin under the toenails can also develop with other general diseases, in addition, toenails can be damaged by the application of toxic varnish during a pedicure.

A yellow spot on the big toe nail may indicate compression deformation due to pressure from shoes. In this case, in addition to mechanical damage to the nail plate, the likelihood of mycosis developing in this particular place increases.

Fungal diseases also quite often begin to develop on the nails of this particular finger. It is the most loaded when walking, the vessels that provide blood circulation to the foot pass through it, so doctors have long noticed that both general and age-related degenerative processes affecting the epidermis and nail plates begin in the lower extremities and are primarily noticeable on the big toe.

Yellow spots on fingernails appear for the same reasons. External symptoms of nail changes due to any factors are similar. To determine the exact cause of the spots, you need to visit a doctor and conduct the necessary diagnostic tests.

With any dystrophic changes, the nail becomes thinner, begins to flake, and crumble.

Fungal infections lead to thickening of the nails. Not only the color changes, the nail becomes cloudy, its structure is loose, the cells of the subungual plate divide intensively - hyperkeratosis is observed, the fold near the nail may be affected. For advanced fungal infections of the nails, an unpleasant odor emanating from them is characteristic.

Psoriasis and other dermatoses are also accompanied by thickening of the skin under and around the nails, thickening of the nails themselves, the appearance of holes, indented grooves, lines, delamination and fragility. With psoriasis, spots under the nails and plates are not only yellow, but also gray and white.

As a result of intoxication, in particular, medicinal, nails also turn yellow, thicken, the cells of the bed tissue grow under them, their shape changes, and fragility increases. The color of the nails depends on the type of toxic substance and can be from light yellow to deep orange.

With carotenoderma, yellowing appears not only on the nails, but also on the palms and feet; coffee and nicotine resin pigments stain not only the nails, the skin also takes on an unhealthy yellowish tint.

The color of the nail can indicate a number of pathologies. White-yellow spots on the nails can be observed with psoriasis. Exactly the same spots can be a consequence of covering the nails with gel polish. Apparently, onychodystrophy develops in both cases.

A yellow-brown (brown) spot on the nail may be a sign of candidiasis, which initially affects the nail fold. It swells, turns red and hurts, peels, may crack, the cuticle disappears. Then the infection spreads to the nail plate - it loses transparency, becomes thicker and darkens. Later, it begins to peel and crumble. With candidiasis, the nail plates may also become covered with transverse brown wavy grooves.

Yellow-brown nails are observed when onychogryphosis develops. They become hard, thick and dull, very long, curve to the side and resemble the claws of a bird of prey.

Multi-colored spots are observed when affected by mold fungus, which, by the way, usually penetrates under the nail, already affected by dermatophytes or yeast fungi. At first, the spots are visible through the transparent nail, their color can be different like mold - white, yellow, greenish, gray and black. All colors are not necessarily present, for example, there can be a yellow-green spot on the nail or a black-green one. Mold fungus very often affects the big toe, less often the little finger. Additional symptoms - slow pace of development of the disease, intensive growth of horny cells (hyperkeratosis), as a result of which the free edges of the nail are raised and crumble.

Epidermophytosis manifests itself with the appearance of yellow and yellow-green stripes and spots on the free edge of the nail, gradually they capture the entire nail, which changes shape and begins to crumble.

Nowadays, polymycoses are often diagnosed – infection with several types of fungi.

A yellow-pink spot on the nail may appear due to exposure to aggressive chemicals, as a result of drug intoxication, and infective endocarditis. Traumatic hemorrhage may also appear as a yellow-red or yellow-pink spot under the nail. Over time, the blood may clot and the spot may darken.

As you can see, it is impossible to make a visual diagnosis based only on the external signs of spots on the nails. Yellow nails indicate degenerative-dystrophic changes in the nail plate. In order to successfully get rid of the defect, it is necessary to conduct diagnostics and establish the cause of such changes.

Complications and consequences

Yellow spots on the nails do not correspond to the appearance of a successful and prosperous person. This defect is undesirable, first of all, from an aesthetic point of view. In addition, yellowed nails can be the first sign of a disease, sometimes very dangerous and life-threatening.

Nail diseases such as fungus are generally not life-threatening, but if left untreated, you can lose your nail completely.

Nail psoriasis is a serious and incurable disease, sometimes isolated psoriatic onychodystrophy is observed, in other cases nail damage is combined with damage to skin areas and even joints. However, if you start treatment when the first signs of the disease appear, you can achieve long-term and stable remission. In advanced cases, irreversible onycholysis occurs.

Diseases of internal organs also lead to the cessation of nail growth, their deformation, and the development of onychogryphosis.

Any change in the appearance of nails causes psychological discomfort, people try to hide their hands, are embarrassed to shake hands. Basically, yellow nail syndrome affects patients who have crossed the half-century mark and are burdened with chronic pathologies.

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Diagnostics yellow spots on the nails

There is no specific diagnosis for yellow nail syndrome. However, you will have to undergo a number of examinations. Their goal is to identify or exclude the cause of yellow spots on the nails.

General blood and urine tests, blood biochemistry tests, glucose and thyroid hormone levels, rapid diagnostics of syphilis (Wasserman reaction), and chest X-rays will be prescribed.

A sample of material from the nail plate will be taken for microscopic examination to determine the presence of a fungal infection and its type.

A consultation with an oncologist, other studies and specific tests may be prescribed depending on the suspected pathology.

Differential diagnostics are carried out with nail mycosis, degenerative-dystrophic processes of various etiologies, and psoriasis.

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Treatment yellow spots on the nails

Nail diseases and general pathologies should be treated by specialists of the appropriate profile, without specific treatment it will not be possible to get rid of yellowness on the nails, however, care procedures for nails and for systemic diseases, after drug therapy, hypovitaminosis will not be superfluous and will help to strengthen and nourish the nail plate from the outside.

Nails damaged by poor-quality varnish, hypoxia, household chemicals can be intensively cared for at home and returned to their normal appearance with the help of folk whitening methods, using improvised means - vinegar, soda, soap, salt, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide and regular toothpaste. Surely, such substances can be found in every home.

In the evening before going to bed, it is recommended to brush not only your teeth, but also your nails (with a special brush). It is better to use a toothpaste containing a whitening component, which is often sodium bicarbonate or regular baking soda. It is a whitening agent in itself. You can dip a wet nail brush into the soda and then rub your nails with it. You should not be fanatical, this substance does have some abrasive activity. Therefore, if the surface of the nail has lost its integrity after removing the shellac, it is better to wait with this procedure. In this case, it is better to dissolve the soda in warm water and make a bath, holding the tips of your fingers in the soda solution for a quarter of an hour.

Regular baby soap, softened in warm water, scrape with nails steamed in the same water so that the soap paste sticks to the nail and gets under it. Remove your hands, wait two or three minutes and clean each nail with a brush.

You can wipe your nails with table vinegar, preferably apple cider vinegar. Acetic acid breaks down coloring pigments.

Baths with sea salt whiten and strengthen nails. To do this, dissolve approximately 30 g of salt (two full teaspoons) in warm water (200 ml). Dip your fingertips into the bath and hold them there for a quarter of an hour. Then wash off the salt with warm water and apply a nourishing cream for the skin of your hands and nails. You can use vegetable oil instead of cream.

A whitening paste of hydrogen peroxide and soda in a 1:2 ratio is applied to the nail plates for a short time (up to five minutes). Rinse with water, lightly wiping the nails with the mixture.

Mix one teaspoon of pharmacy glycerin with five such volumes of hydrogen peroxide. Apply to nails, wash off after five minutes.

The leader of natural bleaches is lemon. Moreover, it is enough to wipe your nails with a slice of lemon or even just a piece of its peel at any convenient moment, you can dip them in a cut half of the fruit. Lemon juice mixed with olive or any vegetable oil can be applied with a brush to the nails and left overnight. As an option, a mixture of juice with essential oils is used - tea tree, bergamot, citrus or ylang-ylang.

You can make seven- to ten-minute baths for your nails with tablets designed for whitening dental prostheses. Such tablets are sold in pharmacies. For the bath, dissolve two pieces in a glass of warm water.

You can get rid of yellow spots on your nails caused by everyday reasons using professional products – pencils, powders, scrubs. Such products of different brands can be purchased in specialized stores.

Onychomycosis, psoriasis and other diseases are treated under the supervision of a doctor using drugs intended for this purpose.

Prevention

It is necessary to give up bad habits, lead a healthy lifestyle and eat well.

When performing household chores and professional duties involving chemicals, protective gloves must be worn.

Don't skimp on nail care products, read the ingredients of your nail polish and try not to use products with toxic substances.

Use a base coat, let your nails rest and breathe without a coating, and take good care of them during this period.

If your nails are damaged after applying gel polish or extending your nails, you need to let them fully recover and then, if you wish, decorate your nails again.

To prevent fungal infection in public places, you must wear flip-flops, not wear or try on other people's shoes on your bare feet, and visit a trusted manicurist and pedicurist.

Injuries and wounds in the periungual area must be treated with an antiseptic as soon as possible.

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Forecast

Yellow spots on nails that appear due to carelessness and everyday reasons can be treated. It is not difficult to get rid of them. In most cases, even if you do nothing, just do not paint your nails, they will grow back and everything will pass.

Fungus can be treated, and with a responsible attitude towards yourself, you can also, if not completely cope with dermatoses, then significantly improve the condition and achieve remission.

The prognosis of common diseases depends on their severity.