Finger and toe nails are regarded as the reflection of the physical state of health. If they show a yellowish discolouration this is usually due to a cosmetic cause. In many cases, however, there is also a medical problem, such as a metabolic disorder.
Patients are quickly suspected of not looking after their finger nails when they are discoloured. Smoking often embeds toxins in the nails. They attack the callus plates and lead to colour changes.
Wrong care, trauma or constant strain due to excessively tight shoes are also regarded as causes of yellowish finger and toe nails. Physical influences such as colour forming bacteria or x-rays may also be causes. Yellow nails often occur after pedicures. The cause is deemed to be the solvents which are contained in many – especially coloured – nail polishes.
From yellow to crumbly
Colour changes and excessively soft or brittle nails, crosswise grooves (ridging), a detaching nail plate or crumbly nails may not always be the patients fault but due to a physical disorder. In yellow nail syndrome, a growth disorder thickens the nails and gives them a yellowish discolouration (Onychauxis).
In a metabolic disorder, the supply of important building materials to the nails is prevented. Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis), skin and thyroid disorders, various deficiencies or infections can also be causes.
In Onychogryposis (also known as onychogryphosis or ram’s horn nails)(bent nails; claw nails) the nail plate no longer adheres to the nail bed. The nail is then a dirty yellow colour, but remains transparent. This is probably triggered by hyperkeratosis (the thickening of the stratum corneum) (the outermost layer of the epidermis), of the nail bed which could be caused by circulatory disorders in the end flow zones.
If the foot specialist finds a yellowish discolouration, the medical history of the client is taken. When obtaining the medical history, questions should be asked about lifestyle (smoking, alcohol etc.), the use of medications, use of nail polish, existing illnesses and dietary behaviour, among other things. If there are a number of signs that a systemic underlying illness is present, the client must see a doctor.
Care for healthy and beautiful nails
Care and optimal treatment of toenails with important nutrients comes in the form of effective, high quality nail products. For instance, the first and only nail polish to recieve APMA’s Seal of Approval is Dr.’s Remedy enriched nail polish and treatments. Dr.’s REMEDY highly nourishing formula can be used in conjunction with topical fungus medications and will not make the condition worse, unlike most nail polish products.
Dr.’s Remedy products are formulated with natural ingredients Tea tree oil & garlic bulb extract which is known to help prevent fungal infections of the nail (onychomycosis) while Lavender has a cleaning, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect. Every nail product is enriched with wheat protein and vitamins C and E, which strengthern weak nails and prevent discolouration and cracking.