Analysis, Cure, And How to Prevent the Return of Yellow Toenails.

Everything you need to know about how to get rid of yellow toenails is presented in this article by Dr. Michael Graham, DPM, FACFAS – A World-renowned Foot & Ankle Specialist.

About the Author
Dr. Michael E. Graham, DPM, FACFAS is a board certified podiatric foot & ankle surgeon and the inventor of Soleus Foot Care products and numerous implantable surgical devices for foot abnormalities. He founded GraMedica, an orthopedic medical device company in 2003 and began distribution of FDA-cleared products in 2004. Dr. Graham has authored more than a dozen peer-reviewed scientific studies and lectures worldwide on foot & ankle related topics.

First Problem: Yellow toenails are extremely unattractive.

For many, the unsightly condition thwarts popular activities typically enjoyed barefoot with others. A dip in the pool or hot tub… A romantic stroll along the ocean waves… Maybe even a casual lunch wearing open-toed shoes. The fear of humiliation stemming from yellow toenails can be terrifying, but the right treatment can quickly eradicate the problem and prevent it from making a comeback later.

Many conditions can cause yellow toe nails.

What causes yellow toenails?

Fungal Infection.

Yellow toenails aren’t just a “cosmetic” problem. While the yellow nails look terrible, the issue often stems from a fungal infection. Fungi that invade the nails and turn them yellow are well-known to thrive in the dark, warm, damp environment provided by shoes and socks- particularly those which are not changed often enough. Spending a full day in damp socks is literally begging fungus like dermatophyte, that causes yellow toenails, to grow.

How does a fungal infection get into toenails?

Consider all the abuse your feet and toes are subjected to. Most of you won’t have to think back too far to remember the last time you stubbed one or more of your toes or scraped them on the side of a swimming pool. Even these minor assaults cause tiny openings in the toenail surface- a portal for entry and a place the foot fungus that turns nails yellow can live and grow. Once fungus has entered the toenail, it can be extremely challenging to eliminate without the right medication- The fungus uses the toenail like a shield to protect itself. I recommend a vigorous scrub followed by 1% Tolnaftate, one of the active ingredients in the Soleus Foot Care Collection.

What factors can increase the chances of getting a nail fungus that causes yellow toenails?

• Using the showers at the gym or pool.
• Showers and tubs that are not thoroughly disinfected.
• Sharing foot care tools such as clippers and nail files.

Some Common Signs You May Have a Toenail Problem:

• Toenails are a strange color- Yellow and green are a sure sign it’s time for help.
• Dense, peeling toenails.
• Foul-smelling “cheesy” substance beneath the nail.
• Fragmented surface.
• The toenail surface is bumpy and irregular.

These symptoms can indicate yellow toenails caused by a fungus. Read how my Soleus Foot Care Collection deals with the problem and thwarts foot fungus to keep yellow toenails from coming back.

Can Discolored Toenails be a Sign of Serious Conditions?

Yes, discolored toenails can be a sign of a serious condition that should be treated by a doctor. Conditions such as melanoma- a common cancer, hematoma- blood beneath the nail, and serious foot fungus infections can all warrant professional care. More often than not, seriously discolored nails may warrant having samples taken and sent to a pathology lab for definitive diagnosis. The lab results can help the physician select the best remedy.

What’s the best treatment for yellow toenails?

It can be tough to get rid of yellow toenails, but luckily there are steps that can be taken to effectively treat them and keep them from returning.

Stop yellow toenails With These Easy Steps:

• Protect your toenails.

  The less damage the nails have, the less likely it will be that fungus will enter and discolor the nails.

• Select proper footwear.

  Improperly-fitting shoes (especially those that are too snug) can increase the amount of damaging force.

• Ventilation.

  Moisture stimulates the fungus that causes yellow toenails. Ensure your shoes can “breathe.”

• Dry socks

  Just like new types of shoes, many socks are now available that dry quickly to keep feet healthier. Even if you aren’t using “high-tech socks,” just changing regular ones more often is a big help.

• Protective footwear

  At the gym, the spa, the pool- anywhere most people are walking around barefoot. Make certain there’s a barrier between your foot and all the surfaces that are teeming with the fungus that causes yellow toenails.

• Grooming

  Short nails are less susceptible to the breakage that lets fungus enter.

The Best Treatment for Yellow Toenails:

Soleus Foot Care was just featured in a National Press Release.

What you “remove” from the foot can be just as important than what you “apply.” Using a special smoothing Sponge like I supply with Soleus Foot Care, removes thick skin and yellow nail cells, revealing healthier skin underneath. The products are more effective when applied to the “newer” skin and nails.

Next, apply my custom mixture of emollients and other natural ingredients that moisturize and restore skin and nails. Superficial skin is softened instantly- immediately looking and feeling better. Apply the mixture twice a day, morning and night. The dual action of the Step 1 Reducing & Softening Cream combined with the Step 2 Activator AF Cream provides a double punch to reverse the years of damage. The skin is your first barrier of protection and this combination acts to restore a resilience to your skin.

Do you have yellow toenails you can’t cure on your own?

Make an appointment!

A podiatrist can identify your problem and prescribe the strongest cure for foot fungus.