If you’re aiming for healthier nails, you shouldn’t overlook vitamin E oil. It’s the perfect final touch for any manicure, prized for its ability to moisturize, strengthen, and shield your nails all at once.
You’ll find it everywhere in the nail and skincare aisles, showing just how popular it is—it’s a key ingredient in many nail oils and hand creams on shelves today. And trust us, it works wonders for the look and feel of your nails.
To help you understand why and how you should use vitamin E oil for your nails, we talked to some dermatologists.
Why Is My Nail Orange?
Excessive Nail Polish Use
Think of your nails as porous surfaces absorbing dark nail polish.
Over time, vibrant hues like deep reds or oranges can leave a lingering stain akin to dye on a white fabric. Even after removing the polish, a faint residue of color might persist.
Improper Nutrition
Eating plenty of orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes is generally good for your health.
However, eating too many can lead to nail discoloration, visually reflecting your diet.
Nail Fungus Infection
Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common cause of toenail discoloration. It’s caused by dermatophytes, fungi that feed on the keratin in nails.
This can result in yellow, reddish-brown, green, or black discoloration under the tip of the nail and may get worse if not treated. Risk factors include being older, having poor circulation, or a weak immune system.
Tobacco Usage
Orange nails and fingers often signify tobacco usage or past smoking habits.
Prolonged exposure to tar in tobacco smoke stains nails, potentially leading to a clubbed appearance, particularly prevalent in individuals with chronic lung conditions like COPD. “Harlequin nail,” characterized by half-stained nails post-smoking cessation, is also notable.
Chemical Exposure
Using strong cleaners without protective gloves can make your nails look like they’ve been dipped in paint.
The harsh chemicals can have a significant effect on the appearance of your nails.
Underlying Health Issues
Certain ailments may impart an orange hue to nails, akin to a cautionary signal illuminating on a car’s dashboard.
Notably, liver-related issues often manifest through nail discoloration, indicating internal health concerns.
Medication Effects
Certain medications can cause unexpected changes in nail color, reflecting the complex ways medicines interact with the body.
For example, antibiotics or chemotherapy can alter the appearance of your nails, highlighting the deep connections between medication and bodily responses.
Notes:
- Maintaining a balanced diet, rich in various nutrients, can help prevent nail discoloration.
- Practicing proper nail hygiene, including regular trimming and avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, aids in preserving nail health.
- Seeking prompt medical attention for persistent nail discoloration is advisable, especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
How to Handle When Nails Turn Orange
- Choose High-Quality Nail Polish: Selecting nail polishes devoid of formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) is crucial. These chemicals are notorious for causing nail discoloration. Opt for healthier alternatives to maintain the natural color of your nails.
- Protect Nails from Sunlight: Continuous exposure to sunlight can lead to the yellowing of nails. Limit direct sun exposure to prevent this issue.
- Avoid Dye-Containing Products: Products containing dyes and colorants can stain your nails. Use items free from such additives to avoid unwanted coloring.
- Maintain Nail Hygiene: Fungi thrive in moist conditions. Keeping your nails clean and dry minimizes the risk of fungal infections. If an infection occurs, consult a doctor for appropriate antifungal treatments.
- Apply a Clear Top Coat: A clear top coat acts as a barrier against discoloration. Ensure your nail polish is completely dry before applying the top coat to maximize protection.
Rub Your Nails With Lemon
If you’re trying to quit smoking, rubbing your nails with lemon can brighten them and reduce the appearance of nicotine stains.
It’s an effective, natural remedy to counteract the visual effects of smoking.
Use Baking Soda With Lemon Juice
Mix baking soda with lemon juice to create a mild cleaning solution for your nails.
This mixture acts as a gentle abrasive that helps remove stubborn stains from nail surfaces.
Change Your Diet
Eating a diet rich in essential nutrients supports overall nail health and can prevent discoloration. Include plenty of vitamins and minerals in your meals.
Use Soap And Brush
Use a soft brush and mild soap to gently scrub your nails if they become stained, particularly if you frequently use harsh cleaning products without gloves.
Use Antifungal Cream
For fungal infections, over-the-counter antifungal creams can serve as an effective initial treatment. Persistent or severe cases may require prescription-strength medications.
Change Medications
Some medications can alter nail color. Discuss with your healthcare provider about possible side effects and explore alternative medications if necessary.
Medical Support
Discoloration of the nails can sometimes indicate underlying health issues, such as liver problems. If you notice persistent changes, it’s essential to consult a medical professional.
Note: Regular manicures and maintaining nail hygiene can go a long way in preventing discoloration and maintaining healthy nails. Consider using gloves when using cleaning agents or chemicals to protect the nail’s surface integrity.
How to Prevent Nails Turn Orange
- Apply a Base Coat: Start with a base coat to shield your nails from direct contact with nail polish, which can lead to discoloration. Consider a one-step, 3-in-1 gel formula that incorporates a base coat for convenience and enhanced protection.
- Give Your Nails Time to Breathe: Regular nail polish application can cause your nails to yellow over time. To avoid this, it’s advisable to remove nail polish after about a week and let your nails rest for a few days. This break allows your nails to recover and maintain their natural color.
- Incorporate Vitamin E: Vitamin E is vital for nail health due to its antioxidant properties and role as a natural moisturizer. It helps keep nails hydrated and prevents them from becoming dry and brittle. Regular use of Vitamin E can also support the repair and regeneration of damaged nails and cuticles, encouraging healthy nail growth.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re wondering, “Why are my nail beds orange?” the answer could be linked to a variety of factors including fungal infections, psoriasis, physical injuries, smoking, yellow nail syndrome, and exposure to staining substances. Identifying the cause is crucial for effective treatment and prevention, helping you maintain healthy and clear nails.
Proper nail care is essential in preventing such issues. This includes maintaining clean and dry nails, wearing well-ventilated and supportive footwear, and avoiding the sharing of personal grooming tools. These practices help protect against infections and other conditions that can affect nail health.
By taking proactive steps in nail care and being aware of the potential causes of discoloration, you can keep your nails healthy and avoid the complications associated with toenail discoloration.
And don’t forget to explore more insightful blogs on nail care and health from Sure Life Health. Keep nurturing those nails with vitamin E, and watch them flourish!
Professor Gaye Cunnane, PhD, MB, FRCPI
As the Director of Health and Wellbeing at RCPI, Professor Gaye Cunnane is at the helm of initiatives aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of RCPI Trainers and Trainees. Her role extends beyond administration; she is also a respected clinical professor of rheumatology and a consultant rheumatologist at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and St James’s Hospital. Prof. Cunnane’s medical journey began at TCD, where she graduated from medical school, and her path has been marked by both clinical and academic excellence.
After completing her basic clinical training in medicine, she embarked on PhD studies at University College Dublin and St Vincent’s University Hospital. Her research during this period was focused on prognostic markers in early inflammatory arthritis, a project that saw her collaborating with esteemed universities across Europe, including in Switzerland, The Netherlands, the UK, and Sweden.
Prof. Cunnane’s career took her to the University of California, San Francisco, where she spent three years delving into research on new treatments for lupus. Her academic prowess led her to the University of Leeds in 2001 as a senior lecturer, before returning to Ireland in 2003 to assume her current roles. She has also served as the National Specialty Director for Rheumatology training in Ireland, Programme Director for Basic Specialist Training with RCPI, and as a past President of the Irish Society for Rheumatology.
PUBLISHED ARTICLES
“Rheumatic disease differentiation using immunoglobulin G sugar printing by high-density electrophoresis”: Published in The Journal of Rheumatology, this study reflects her in-depth investigation into rheumatic diseases.
“Benefits of exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial”: This research work, highlighting the positive impact of exercise on rheumatoid arthritis, underscores Prof. Cunnane’s dedication to practical, patient-centered research.
Additionally, Prof. Cunnane has made notable contributions to the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, discussing early referral, diagnosis, and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. She has also been involved in a study on the NCBI platform investigating exercise benefits in rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Professor Gaye Cunnane’s career is a testament to her commitment to improving patient outcomes in rheumatology through rigorous research, clinical excellence, and dedicated teaching. Her work continues to influence the field of rheumatology, both in Ireland and internationally.
