Pink spots appeared on my nails and they hurt. Yellow nail on the big toe. The condition of the thumb as an indicator of pathology

Fingernails and toenails can “tell” everything about a person’s health and lifestyle. The appearance of dents, stripes or spots on them indicates the presence of various pathological processes in the body. Yellow spots on nails are no exception. You should not think that they appear only as a result of using low-quality varnish or smoking, although this also plays an important role in this. Yellow spots can also indicate various diseases, which we will talk about now.

This medical term refers to avitaminosis, which is characterized by a deficiency of vitamins and minerals in the body. It appears most often in the spring. This is due to the fact that in winter the body receives few useful micro and macroelements from food, which it needs for normal functioning.

The solution to this problem is simple. It is enough to review your diet and include more fresh vegetables and fruits. In addition, you should consult a doctor and ask him to select the most suitable vitamin and mineral complex for you, which will help quickly replenish the reserves of missing substances in the body.

You should also purchase a fortified therapeutic and prophylactic varnish at the pharmacy, which you need to treat your nail plates with every day. Together, all these measures will help you get rid of yellow spots on your nails in a short time.

Pathologies of the liver and kidneys

If you have problems with your kidneys and liver, this may be the reason why yellow spots appear on your nails. With renal and hepatic pathologies, the structure of the nail plates also changes. Longitudinal veins appear on it, which are difficult to disguise with a regular varnish coating.

Also, in addition to yellow spots, large white spots may also form on the nails. They indicate the development of renal failure.

Any pathology associated with the liver or kidneys requires comprehensive treatment. Only after being completely cured of the disease can stains on your nails be eliminated. We draw your attention to the fact that all therapeutic measures in this case should be prescribed only by a doctor.

If yellow spots appear on your nails, this may indicate the development of dermatological diseases. Particularly noteworthy are those spots that appeared quite recently and in just a couple of days increased in size several times. In this case, you need to urgently visit a dermatologist.

The thing is that the cause of the appearance of such spots may be, which over time leads to complete destruction of the nail plate and the appearance of other symptoms:

itching and burning (especially acute when in contact with warm water);
changes in the shape and structure of the nail;
increased fragility of the nail plate (it may simply crumble);
the appearance of an unpleasant odor, etc.

In addition to fungal infections, psoriasis and eczema can contribute to the appearance of yellow spots on the nails. All these diseases require complex and long-term treatment.

Dystrophic onychia

Dystrophic onychia can also provoke the appearance of yellow spots on the fingernails. With this disease, trophic changes occur in the nail matrix, resulting in the formation of yellow spots.

This condition occurs against the background of typhoid, dysentery, pneumonia and other diseases. Impaired functionality of the nervous system or intoxication of the body also leads to the development of dystrophic onychia.

In any case, the appearance of yellow spots on the nails should alert a person. It is necessary to consult a doctor and undergo an examination to clarify the exact cause of their occurrence.

Video about diagnosing diseases by nails

Yellow spots on the nails are very often evidence of the presence of certain diseases of the internal organs or are a consequence of the influence of external factors. If corresponding pigmentation occurs, it is necessary to establish the cause of this process and try to influence it. Few people like it when there are yellow spots under their nails. A timely visit to a doctor can help you find out exactly the specific factor that led to this situation and select the appropriate treatment (if necessary).

Fingernails are often the first to respond to various pathological changes in the body. A person may not yet know about the presence of some disease, but his nail plates are already beginning to change, signaling a problem. If a yellow spot appears on the nail, this may be evidence of a number of pathological conditions. The most common of them remain:

Fungal infection of the nail plate. Frequent causative agents of this problem with a characteristic yellowish tint are red trichophyton and fungi of the genus Aspergillus. The corresponding problem is almost always additionally accompanied by itching and general discomfort over the entire surface of the foot.
Bronchiectasis and sinusitis.
Diseases of the thyroid gland with the development of hormonal imbalance.
Tuberculosis.
Pathology of the liver and biliary tract with increased bilirubin levels.
Taking certain medications (akrikhin and the like).
Pathology of the lymphatic system. In this case, thickening of the nail and swelling of the soft tissues underneath are often additionally observed.

In addition, a yellow spot under the fingernail may appear due to improper manicure or the use of low-quality varnishes. Hand care should always be adequate, without excess. Sometimes a corresponding yellowing of the skin on the lateral surface of the fingers and nail plates is observed in heavy smokers.

In any case, such a symptom remains unattractive. To eliminate it, you should consult a doctor and determine the cause of such a visual defect. In the presence of serious diseases, appropriate treatment is carried out.

Yellow spots on toenails

Besides the hands, a yellow spot under the toenail is just as likely to occur. The reasons largely coincide with those described above, but in this case external factors play a very important role. Wearing tight shoes, which contribute to constant microtrauma, leads to disturbances in trophic processes in the lower extremities. This may be manifested by the occurrence of corresponding visual changes.

Diabetes mellitus is another disease that may explain why yellow spots appear on the toenails. Against the background of a general metabolic disorder, pathology of the nail plate is observed. It changes color, becomes rough, and sometimes begins to crumble. The patient in this situation will simultaneously notice changes in the skin of the lower extremities (thinning, loss of sensitivity, sometimes the formation of ulcers).

Isolated yellow spot on the big toe nail

Sometimes there are situations when yellow spots appear on the big toe nail. Most often, the cause is a local fungal infection. However, as practice shows, this process spreads very quickly (in the absence of appropriate treatment) and covers the entire surface of the foot and other nails.

If any visual changes occur in the nail plates on the hands or feet, you must seek help from doctors to determine the cause of this situation and decide on treatment.

The state of a person's health can be determined by looking at the nail plate on the feet. If it has a yellowing appearance or other changes, then this indicates the development of a pathological process. You should not try to select treatment on your own; be sure to consult a specialist.

Yellow toenails? Often this indicates a dystrophic disease called onychomadesis. This disease is severe and can lead to complete loss of the nail. We will look in detail at the causes of the disease, as well as methods of treatment and prevention.

Yellow spots on nails can appear as a result of a variety of reasons. These include:

Fungal diseases. The most common pathogens are Candida and Trichophyton (ringworm).
Skin lesions - eczema, psoriasis or lichen planus.
An inflammatory process in the tissue of the nail matrix, which is provoked by pyogenic bacteria.
The appearance of yellow toenails can be caused by an enterovirus. 30-45 days after recovery, the nail plate may peel off; after a certain time, a healthy nail grows.
Allergic reaction to a chemical.
Yellowness on the nail can appear after hitting or pinching the plate, as well as when performing a pedicure without following safety precautions.
Anaphylactic shock.
For infectious and venereal diseases - scarlet fever, leprosy or syphilis.
Intoxication of the body.
Long-term use of certain antibiotics.
Genetic predisposition.

When the nail plate is damaged, blood microcirculation is disrupted in the matrix, which leads to a lack of nutrients. The keratinized plate begins to turn yellow and peels off at the base of the nail and breaks.

Be sure to seek help from a medical facility, since it is quite difficult to cure the disease on your own. Even if the nail has completely fallen off, a specialist will conduct research to identify the pathogen and outline preventive measures.

Symptoms

External signs of the disease can be divided by stage and cause of occurrence. At the initial stage, onychomadesis manifests itself as follows:

The nail on the big toe has turned yellow or white;
Thickening or peeling of the plate occurs;
The nail bed appears inflamed.

Please note that the first changes are observed from the nail growth area, and indirectly indicate the location of the lesion. The disease appears on one of the toenails, but if the pathology is observed on several fingers, then this is a reason to immediately contact a specialist.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis of onychomadesis, a dermatologist is required to conduct a number of examinations:

Examination of the nail plate under a special lamp;
Taking biomaterial for microscopic examination to identify mycosis;
Scraping the skin of the periungual plate;
Blood test for antibodies to leprosy, syphilis and enteroviruses;
General blood analysis.

For several days, the resulting material will be studied in the laboratory for pathogenic microorganisms. Based on the data obtained, treatment is selected.

Therapy

Treatment of onychomadesis begins with identifying the causative agent of the disease. With the right medications, you can grow a healthy nail plate in the shortest possible time.

Features of therapy:

The disease is caused by problems with the nervous system. The patient destroys the nail on his own. Consultation with a psychiatrist or neurologist is required. A sedative is prescribed to relieve stress.
If the deformation of the nail occurs as a result of a previous disease, then a healthy plate will grow back without the use of medications. Experts recommend introducing fortified foods into your diet.
Local treatment of onychomadesis is aimed at regenerating the nail matrix and destroying pathogenic microflora. Treatment is prescribed by a dermatologist, and in certain situations, joint selection of therapy with an allergist or infectious disease specialist. Use: antibiotics, antiseptic, hormonal, antifungal, antihistamine and other drugs.
Physiotherapy - phonophoresis with vitamins A and E, diathermy or iontophoresis is prescribed. Course – 10 sessions.
To restore blood supply, massage is recommended.

Folk

Baths with iodine and sea salt. For 1 liter of warm water, take 4 teaspoons of sea salt and 8 drops of iodine. For 3 months, you need to keep your feet in the solution for 15 minutes in the morning and evening.
If the nail plate has come off, then sea buckthorn oil with a few drops of tea tree essential oil is used to quickly heal the skin.
Propolis tincture helps with nail fungus. To prepare, you need to mix 1 tablespoon of ground beeswax with 50 ml of boiled water and 30 ml of salicylic alcohol. The nail plate is treated up to 5 times a day for 2 weeks. After this, a break is taken for 3 days, and the course of treatment is repeated.

Prevention

It is impossible to prevent the development of onychomadesis if it is caused by injury or an infectious disease. But by following the recommendations of a specialist, you can reduce the risk of complications. Therefore, follow these rules:

Safety rules in public swimming pools, saunas and fitness centers;
Before performing a pedicure, disinfect the instruments;
Do not use other people's things and shoes;
Get treatment in a timely manner, do not allow the disease to become chronic;
Walk a lot in the fresh air, eat well and sleep at least 8 hours a day.

About nails (video)

A beautiful manicure and stylish nails - a design can tell about the amazing taste of its owner and her personal preferences. But, besides this, you can learn about the health and lifestyle of this person by the color of the nails and their condition. That is why the appearance of yellowness, dents, large oblong stripes or yellowish spots on the nails indicates the presence of pathological processes. And you shouldn’t think that yellow spots on fingernails or white stripes appear as a result of the use of low-quality nail materials and appear only in heavy smokers. As a rule, these external symptoms indicate internal problems that need to be recognized and treated in time. However, before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine the causes.

The main reasons for the appearance of yellow spots on nails

Smoking. If we take into account the opinion of experts, this is the most common reason that leads to the fact that the nail becomes yellow and yellowish spots appear on the surface. And in order for your fingernails to regain their natural appearance, you need to give up this bad habit.
Decorative coatings. Of course, not all nail coatings affect the pigmentation of hand nails, but if you are a fan of bright, flashy shades and constantly use an acetone-based product, then yellow spots will quickly appear on the surface.

Nail experts recommend using a transparent base, which can not only protect the nail from pigmentation, but also strengthen the nail plate. But it is better to get rid of acetone-based liquid and use only special products for removing decorative varnish.

Avitaminosis. Another common reason that leads to yellowness. In order to strengthen your body, it is enough to reconsider your diet and, if necessary, replenish it with fresh vegetables and fruits.
Nail fungus. Yellow toenails or fingernails can also be one of the many symptoms of fungus, which can be easily treated with antifungal creams and ointments.
Serious illnesses. Yellow spots on the fingernails or toenails may also indicate a serious illness. For example, diabetes, hepatitis, anemia, tumors of internal organs, etc.

It should be noted that if you doubt the reason for the appearance of small yellow spots on the nails or, in general, do not know why yellowness appeared on the fingernails, you should consult a dermatologist and, if necessary, undergo a full examination.

Treatment options

If the cause of the appearance of yellow spots is not associated with a serious disease, you can easily remove this unaesthetic defect yourself. Moreover, there are a huge number of ways to remove yellow spots; the main thing is to choose the right option for yourself. However, if we talk in more detail, you can use special drugs or use simple non-traditional remedies.

Use of special drugs:

If the reason lies in the frequent use of decorative nail products, it is necessary to apply a protective coating to the nail before the standard manicure procedure. In this case, why not use a regular clear varnish or a special base.
A complex of vitamins and minerals necessary for the body can easily cope with vitamin deficiency. And you shouldn’t neglect vegetables and fruits, because the good condition of not only your nails, but also your hair depends on them.
Yellowness can also be removed with special masking agents that can successfully disguise absolutely any defect and get rid of yellowish stains forever.

As effective concealers, you should pay attention to the whitening liquid of the Duri Cosmetics brand and the Mavala corrector. It is these products that can correct absolutely any defect and restore the surface to its natural shine and healthy appearance.

Whitening powders for hands and nails can be purchased at a nail salon or a regular pharmacy. And, despite the simple method of application, whitening powders are effective enough to restore the former healthy shine and beauty in just a few procedures.

Unconventional methods

Chamomile decoction is considered the simplest and most affordable way to cleanse nails of yellow spots. To do this, pour two tablespoons of chamomile into a glass of boiling water and leave for 20 minutes. And after the time has passed, dip your fingertips in the broth for about 10 minutes, and then use a sponge to rub lemon juice into the surface. It is worth noting that warm baths based on this medicinal plant are useful not only for nails, but also for the skin of the hands.
Yellowness on nails and fingers can be easily removed using a special emulsion made from lemon juice and essential oils of jojoba and ylang-ylang. Tea tree oil is also very effective, and it is enough to wipe your nails with this essential oil several times a week to restore healthy shine and an ideal surface.

It should be remembered that absolutely any essential oils have a high concentration, which can lead to an allergic reaction. That is why before applying essential oil it is worth testing it or diluting it with a carrier oil.

Baths based on sea salt are good for whitening, strengthening and treating nails. To make such a bath, you need to mix a glass of water with two tablespoons of salt and add lemon juice or rosemary oil. Then dip your fingertips into the solution for about 15 minutes, then pat your hands dry with a towel.
Another emulsion can be made from rose water, hydrogen peroxide and glycerin. To do this, mix 50 ml of rose water and 50 ml of peroxide, then add 10 ml of glycerin and apply the resulting emulsion directly to the surface using a sponge and rub in well.
In addition to baths and medicinal emulsions, a herbal decoction of tricolor violet, dropsy and string is ideal for combating yellow spots. All components can be purchased at the nearest pharmacy and the required amount is poured with boiling water, and after the broth has infused, drink before bed. This procedure is best repeated three times a week, over several months.
But the easiest and fastest way to remove yellow stains is to apply toothpaste to the surface and leave it on for 5 minutes.

In any case, when yellow spots appear on the nails, it is necessary to immediately find out the reason and understand why these external changes appeared. And only after that start treatment. After all, the problem of yellow spots and the appearance of a yellowish tint in itself can be quickly solved; the main thing is not to let it reach a critical state.

A change in the color of the nail plate usually immediately catches the eye, because we take care of our nails regularly, at least trim them every week. If a defect appears on the fingers, then its appearance is noticeable to others. Yellow spots on 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, by yellowing of the nails, the body can give us signals about a hidden serious disease. Nails, skin, hair are indicators that reflect disturbances in the functioning of internal organs.

A yellow spot may appear on one nail or several (local spots), and sometimes all nails turn yellow at once. This condition is called yellow nail cider and can indicate a serious, life-threatening illness, of course, if this does not happen after the new bright red nail polish has been washed off.

Causes of yellow spots on nails

The most common external cause of yellowness of the nail plate in women is the constant painting of them with decorative varnish. Especially often such a reaction is caused by varnish of bright and saturated colors. Of course, the quality of the varnish matters, however, even expensive varnish applied to a protective base can cause your nails to 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 a change in color, their structure is also disturbed (delamination, cracks), and the top layer of the nail plate is removed.

Experts in the field of cosmetology say that if yellow spots appear on the nails after polishing, poor quality polish is to blame. The varnish may contain formaldehyde resins, dibutyl phtholate, toluene and other toxic substances. Basically, it is believed that they are contained in cheap varnishes, although especially sensitive nails may turn yellow even after expensive, especially bright ones. 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, stays on the nails for a much longer time. In addition to the toxic effects, gel polish completely blocks the access of oxygen to the nail. During the application process, nails are dried with an ultraviolet lamp, which has an expiration date (high-quality lamps are considered safe). It is drying under a lamp that causes criticism from medical critics. But the most traumatic moment is removing the coating, when you first need to wrap your nails for at least a quarter of an hour with a cotton pad soaked in coating remover, ensuring that there is no air access to them, and then scrape off the remaining 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).

Neglecting safety precautions at home and at work when working with aggressive chemicals - dye (including hair dye), cleaning products, bleaches can cause yellow spots to appear on the nails.

The skin of avid coffee drinkers acquires a yellowish tint, including under the nails (they acquire a yellowish tint) - pigmentation occurs. In smokers, the color of nails and fingers is changed to yellowish by tobacco tar.

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 reason for such a defect. Carotenoderma can also occur as a consequence of a violation of the absorption of vitamin A due to improper functioning of the digestive organs, when its excess pigments the surface layers of the epidermis in an unchanged form.

The appearance of this defect may end the course of taking antibiotics belonging to teracyclines and quinolones, nitrofuran derivatives, quinine, Ascorbinka dragees, carotene, treatment with resorcinol.

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

Nails can turn yellow even when exposed to ultraviolet rays. However, if yellow spots on the nails did not appear immediately after the reasons listed above, which can be considered relatively safe, then you should not rely heavily on exposure to ultraviolet radiation. You need to see a doctor about the problem and get examined, because a yellowish tint to your nails may indicate the presence of serious diseases.

Pathological causes of the appearance 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 due to epidermophytosis, candidiasis, mold infection, or mixed infection. You can become infected with the fungus through unsterile instruments during manicure and pedicure, or if 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 likely that the infection will be carried through the bloodstream into the area of the nail matrix. Factors contributing to the development of onychomycosis are hormonal and immune disorders, chronic dermatoses, and injuries.

The cause of yellow spots on the nails may be psoriasis. This is how onycholysis begins - the detachment of nails from their bed. Psoriatic onychodystrophy is sometimes noted only on the nails even before the appearance of typical rashes 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 characteristics and psoriasis. Most often observed in elderly people.

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

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

The cause of yellow nail syndrome may be lymph stagnation. If all the nails on one or both limbs become yellow, then lymphedema can be suspected - stagnation of lymphatic fluid. Primary lymphedema, associated with congenital underdevelopment of the lymphatic system, usually appears before the age of 35; secondary or acquired - most often affects people over 50 years of age without distinction of gender. Acquired lymphedema is caused by obesity, malignant tumors, limb surgery, and breast removal.

Other reasons for the yellowness of the nail plates may be: stagnation of bile as a result of neoplasms of the liver, gall bladder or biliary tract, circulatory disorders in peripheral vessels, heredity and collagenosis.

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

Risk factors

Risk factors for the appearance of yellowness on the nails of the upper and lower extremities are numerous, as is the pathogenesis of the development of such changes.

With neoplasms of the organs of the hepatobiliary system, yellow nail syndrome is caused by the fact that a mechanical obstacle is created to the free outflow of bile, 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 goes beyond its channel, disrupting the lymphatic drainage in the fingertips, saturating 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 influences, including ultraviolet rays. Under the influence of sunlight, intensive formation of melanin occurs, it migrates into skin cells, its excess amount is localized in the distal phalanges of the fingers.

With fungal infections, the color of the nail is determined by the type of fungus; yellowness is characteristic of athlete's foot, rubromycosis, and candidiasis.

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

Symptoms of yellow spots on nails

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

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

If you notice that all the nail plates look yellowish, then such symptoms can be observed in systemic pathologies or, conversely, be the result of more harmless reasons - careless attitude to nails, a reaction to a new polish 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, or ordinary varnish indicate that they have suffered from the toxicity of the applied coating and hypoxia. They require care and time to regenerate. The same approach is needed if the nails have been damaged by contact with household chemicals, have turned yellow after drug therapy, or due to heavy smoking. In the latter case, time and care will not help, you need to quit smoking.

If you haven’t painted your nails or drank too much carrot juice or coffee, and yellowness is still present, you should consult a doctor, because such a defect may be a symptom of a serious illness. 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 be 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 accompanied by rapidly increasing swelling. This disorder can occur on one limb; the legs are more often affected.

Common diseases that do not initially produce pronounced symptoms may attract attention by the fact that the surface of the skin under the nails has turned yellow (hemosiderosis). This may be the first sign of a developing tumor, cardiovascular or respiratory pathology. Associated symptoms in this case are fatigue, shortness of breath, increased heart rate, and unobtrusive cough.

The appearance of persistent yellowness of the 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 go to a medical institution.

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

It is likely that lymphostasis of the leg will develop, especially if yellowness is observed on the nails of one limb.

The cause of a yellowish tint to the nails can be diabetes, which primarily affects the lower extremities.

Hemosiderosis of the skin under the toenails can also develop with other general diseases; in addition, the toenails can be damaged by the application of toxic varnish when performing 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 developing mycosis in this particular place increases.

Fungal diseases also quite often begin to develop on the nails of this particular finger. It is maximally loaded when walking, 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 from the lower extremities and, first of all, are noticeable on the big toe .

For the same reasons, yellow spots appear on the fingernails. External symptoms of nail changes caused by any factors are similar. To determine the exact cause of the spots, you need to visit a doctor and perform the necessary diagnostic tests.

With any dystrophic changes, the nail becomes thinner, begins to peel, and crumbles.

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 are dividing rapidly - hyperkeratosis is observed, the ridge near the nail may be affected. Advanced fungal infections of the nails are characterized by an unpleasant odor emanating from them.

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, depressed grooves, dashes, separation and fragility. With psoriasis, the 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, cells of the bed tissue grow under them, their shape changes, and fragility increases. The color of nails depends on the type of toxic substance and can range from light yellow to deep orange.

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

A number of pathologies can be suspected based on the color of the nail. White-yellow spots on the nails can be observed with psoriasis. Exactly the same spots can be the result of covering your 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 first affects the periungual fold. It swells, turns red and hurts, flakes, may crack, and the cuticle disappears. Then the infection spreads to the nail plate - it loses its transparency, becomes thicker and darkens. Later it begins to peel off and crumble. With candidiasis, the nail plates may also become covered with transverse brown wavy grooves.

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

Multi-colored spots are observed when affected by mold, which, by the way, usually penetrates under the nail, already affected by dermatophytes or yeast fungi. At first, the spots are visible through a transparent nail; their color can be different, like mold - white, yellow, greenish, gray and black. All colors are not necessarily present, for example, there may 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 toe. Additional symptoms are a slow rate of development of the disease, intensive growth of horn cells (hyperkeratosis), as a result of which the free edges of the nail are raised and crumbled.

Athlete's foot is manifested by the appearance of yellow and yellow-green stripes and spots on the free edge of the nail; gradually they cover the entire nail, which changes shape and begins to crumble.

Currently, polymycosis is often diagnosed - infection by several types of fungi.

A yellow-pink spot on the nail can appear from 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. Perhaps over time the blood will clot and the stain will darken.

As you can see, it is impossible to make a visual diagnosis based only on the external signs of spots on the nails. Yellowness of the nails indicates degenerative changes in the nail plate. To successfully get rid of the defect, it is necessary to diagnose 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 sustainable remission. In advanced cases, irreversible onycholysis occurs.

Diseases of the 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 and are embarrassed to offer their hand for a handshake. Basically, yellow nail syndrome affects patients who have crossed the half-century mark and are burdened with chronic pathologies.

Diagnosis of yellow spots on 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 the formation of yellow spots on the nails.

General blood and urine tests, tests for the biochemical composition of the blood, levels of glucose and thyroid hormones, rapid diagnosis of syphilis (Wassermann reaction), and chest x-ray will definitely 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 determine its type.

Nails that have been damaged by poor-quality varnish, hypoxia, or household chemicals can be intensively cared for at home and restored to their normal appearance using traditional whitening methods using available means - vinegar, soda, soap, salt, glycerin, hydrogen peroxide and regular dental pasta. 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 brush specially made for them). It is better to use a paste that contains a bleaching component, which quite often turns out to be sodium bicarbonate or regular baking soda. It itself is a bleaching agent. You can dip a damp nail brush in baking soda and then rub your nails with it. One should not show fanaticism; this substance still has some abrasive activity. Therefore, if the surface of the nail has lost its integrity after removing the shellac, it is better to wait a while with this procedure. In this case, it is better to dissolve soda in warm water and make a bath, holding your fingertips in the soda solution for a quarter of an hour.

Scrub regular baby soap, softened in warm water, with your nails steamed in the same water so that the soap slurry sticks to the nail and gets under it. Remove your hands, wait two to 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 color pigments.

Baths with sea salt whiten and strengthen nails, for which salt weighing approximately 30 g (two full teaspoons) is dissolved in warm water (200 ml). Dip your fingertips into the bath and keep them there for a quarter of an hour. After which the salt is washed off with warm water and a nourishing cream is applied to the skin of the hands and nails. Instead of cream, you can smear your hands with vegetable oil.

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

One teaspoon of pharmaceutical glycerin is mixed with five equal volumes of hydrogen peroxide. Spread on nails and 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 immerse them in the 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 take seven to ten minute nail baths with tablets designed to whiten dental dentures. 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 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 medications intended for this purpose.

Prevention

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

Protective gloves must be worn when performing household and professional duties involving chemicals.

Do not skimp on nail care products, read the composition of the varnish and try not to use products with toxic substances.

Use a base coat, let your nails rest and breathe without covering, carefully caring for them during this period.

If your nails are damaged after applying gel polish or nail extensions, you must allow them to fully recover and then, if desired, decorate your nails again.

To prevent fungal infection in public areas, you must wear flip-flops, do not wear or try on someone else’s shoes on your bare feet, and visit a trusted manicurist and pedicurist.

Injuries and wounds of the periungual space must be treated with an antiseptic as soon as possible.

Forecast

Yellow spots on nails that appear due to negligence and everyday reasons can be taken care of. It's not difficult to get rid of them. In most cases, even if you do nothing, just don’t paint your nails, they will grow back and everything will pass.

The fungus is treatable; if you treat yourself responsibly with dermatoses, you can also, if you can’t cope at all, significantly improve the condition and achieve remission.

The prognosis of common diseases depends on their severity.