Yellow Toenails

One of the most common complaints, that many people who play a lot of sports, is of yellow toenails. There is more or less only one yellow toenails cause and that is toenail fungus. Toenail fungal infections, also known as onychomycosis, is a condition that is sometimes also referred to as athlete's foot. This is a condition that can lead to a lot of symptoms like flaky nails, pain while wearing shoes, etc. Given below are details regarding the symptoms, treatment and prevention measures for dealing with yellowing toenails.

Symptoms

• Change in color of the nails. Sometimes, they may not only turn yellow in color, they may even turn brownish and may have little white patches on their surface. At times, they may even turn brown or black.
• The nails may become flaky and brittle, due to which they may easily chip off.
• Small amount of debris may collect under the surface of the nails. This may lead to an increase in the thickness of the nails. This could lead to an inability to wear closed shoes, as this may be painful.
• There may be a change in the shape of the toenails. This could lead to added discomfort, which could make it difficult to walk, work or do other regular activities.
• The nails may give off a foul odor. Eventually, there may be separation of the nail from the nail bed. This is the stage where it may become difficult to treat the nail fungus. Hence, treatment should be initiated before the nails reach this stage.

Treatment

• Apply a few drops of tea tree essential oil and massage into the toenails before wearing socks. Tea tree oil helps to fight off toenail fungus. This not only gets rid of the toenail fungus but also acts as a natural way of getting rid of the discoloration.
• Soak your toes in a solution that contains one cup of apple cider vinegar and one cup of warm water for around fifteen minutes in the morning and at night. Dry your feet thoroughly after soaking them in this solution and use a hair dryer to dry your toenails.
• Another simple toenail fungus treatment includes soaking your feet in a cup of Listerine in the morning and at night. Dry your feet thoroughly after soaking them in this solution.
• Take some baking powder and lemon juice paste and apply this to your toenails in the morning and the evening. Do not use this yellow toenails home remedy in conjunction with tea tree oil at the same time, though you can try both these remedies in the same day, one in the morning and one at night.
• If all of these home remedies fail, then it is best to go in for proper treatment, in form of topical antifungal medications.

Prevention

• Wash your feet regularly with water and soap. After you're done washing them, remember to always pat them dry and not wear socks over wet feet.
• Wear shoes that properly fit you. Wearing ill-fitting shoes can easily lead to not just yellow toenails but also other foot problems. This is because wearing very tight shoes tends to increase the chances of accumulation of moisture.
• Shower shoes should be worn when going in public areas as often as possible.
• Shoes, socks should be preferably changed daily.
• Toenails should be clipped properly, so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
• Take proper care of your feet. Use a quality foot powder which contains talcum and not cornstarch which is in conjunction with well fitting shoes and their material so that there is breathing space for the toes.
• Wear socks that are made of synthetic fiber, as these tend to wick away moisture and sweat faster than cotton or woolen socks, especially when doing sports activities.
• Regularly disinfect home pedicure tools and do not apply polish to nails that you think have toenail fungus and seek immediate treatment for the same.

This was all about yellow toenails. Although this condition can easily be prevented, but as it is a fungal infection just like yellow fingernails, it is best to seek treatment immediately if you identify such symptoms, as this condition can also spread to other regions of the foot and leg.