yellow nails - Nail Problems Message Board

honeybee81 · 04-24-2003, 04:46 PM

i think my nails are pretty healthy, they are all the same length and pretty long, but the white part is yellowed and also at the corners where the white part starts and is still over the skin, you can see the skin color through it. it's hard to explain, but does anyone know of a way to make the whites of your nails brighter and whiter other than a french manicure? I rarely polish my nails with color, i really like OPI Nail Envy in matte instead. I've also tried a nail white pencil, but that looks crappy cause it gets all over your skin, too. plus it washes off. any suggestions?

Marti · 04-24-2003, 10:03 PM

By "the white part", I am assuming this to be the free edge of the nail plate as it grows past the end of the fingertip. If this is the case, it is not the nails that have necessarily yellowed, but the solehorn cuticle that grows out with and underneath the nail plate at the free edge. Try soaking your nails in 5 minute Polident Denture Cleaner. When the nails and skin are significantly softened, use a cuticle pusher with a rounded head to scrape away all the 'dead' tissue that is attached to the underside of the nail. I think you will be VERY suprised at the amount of dead skin under there, as well as how bright the nails are after it is removed. It is the dead skin that gets discolored and looks 'yellow'. The nail plate can also take on a yellowish appearance if Base Coat is not used prior to the application of nail color.

04-25-2003, 10:11 AM

I paint my toenails alot and they're all yellow. Is that from constantly polishing them??

honeybee81 · 04-25-2003, 05:36 PM

Marti~ thank you so much! i never knew that. i will try it asap and let you know the results. i also looked at your website and found it very informative. i also can't thank you enough for convincing me to try jojoba oil. it is absolutely perfect for my face (and nails). i haven't broken out at all and my skin is no longer shiny at the end of the day and i don't have dry flaky skin after i wash it cause i'm not trying to fight the oil. thanks again!