Why is My Nail Orange? Exploring Causes of Nail Discoloration

If your nails are turning orange, it could indicate a fungal infection. This change in color may be accompanied by altered shape and texture, and it might suggest a deeper health issue.

Why is My Nail Orange? Keep reading the article below to find out. However, it’s important to consult your doctor for a diagnosis and to discuss potential treatment options based on the severity of your symptoms.

You should also read the following articles:

• Does Vitamin E Help Nails Grow? Expert Insights Revealed!.
• Green Fungus Under Acrylic Nail: Treatment Guide.

Why Is My Nail Orange?

If you’ve noticed your nails taking on an orange tint, several factors could be at play, reflecting various aspects of your lifestyle and health:

Diet and Nutrition

Consuming an excess of orange-colored vegetables such as carrots or sweet potatoes can occasionally leave a mark on your nails.

While these veggies are generally beneficial for your health, moderation is key to avoid nail discoloration.

Due to Too Much Nail Polish

Dark nail polish, when applied frequently and without proper care, can seep into your nails like dye on fabric, leaving behind a lingering tint even after removal.

Chemical Exposure

Handling strong cleaning agents without protective gloves can lead to nail staining.

These harsh chemicals can leave your nails looking discolored, akin to the aftermath of an art project gone awry.

Fungal Infections

Nail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common culprit behind nail discoloration.

It often manifests as yellow, reddish-brown, green, or black hues under the nail, signaling a need for treatment to prevent further spread.

Due to Smoking a Lot

Prolonged exposure to tobacco tar can cause nails to turn orange, serving as a visible reminder of the detrimental effects of smoking.

Additionally, certain nail abnormalities, like a rounded or clubbed appearance, may develop in long-term smokers, indicating potential underlying health issues such as chronic lung disease.

Medicine

Some medications, including certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, may induce changes in nail color as a side effect.

This alteration can act as a subtle indication of the internal battles your body may be facing during treatment.

Having Health Problems

Orange nails can also serve as a warning sign of underlying health conditions, particularly those affecting the liver or other vital organs.

In such cases, nail discoloration may be your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t quite right internally, prompting further investigation by a healthcare professional.

How to Deal with Nails Turning Orange

Dealing with nails turning orange requires a multifaceted approach, addressing both potential causes and treatments. Here are some effective strategies:

Combine Baking Soda and Lemon Juice

A mixture of baking soda and lemon juice can serve as a gentle yet effective stain remover for your nails.

Similar to clearing away stains on fabric, this combination helps scrub and fade nail discoloration.

Oregano Oil

Harnessing the antimicrobial properties of oregano oil can combat bacterial and fungal infections that may contribute to nail discoloration.

Mix oregano oil with a carrier oil and apply it topically to the affected nails for effective treatment.

Change Your Diet

Maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential vitamins and minerals can promote nail health and prevent discoloration. Incorporate nutrient-dense foods to support overall nail health.

Use Antifungal Cream

Over-the-counter antifungal creams serve as a primary defense against fungal infections, akin to combating weeds in a garden.

For stubborn cases, consult a healthcare professional for stronger prescription options.

Use Soap and Brush

Like donning armor for your nails, wearing gloves while handling harsh cleaners can prevent staining.

Additionally, regular cleaning with a gentle soap and brush helps remove existing stains.

Rub Your Nails with Lemon

While quitting smoking may be challenging, rubbing your nails with lemon can help diminish stubborn nicotine stains.

This simple treatment brightens nails and reduces the visibility of discoloration.

Change Medications

If medication is the culprit behind nail discoloration, discuss alternatives with your healthcare provider.

They can guide you toward solutions that minimize side effects without compromising treatment effectiveness.

Medical Assistance

When nail discoloration hints at underlying health issues, it’s essential to seek professional medical evaluation.

Just as a check engine light signals potential problems in a car, nail changes may indicate more serious conditions requiring diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare professional.

By combining these strategies and addressing potential underlying causes, you can effectively manage and prevent nails from turning orange, maintaining healthy and vibrant nail appearance.

When Should You See a Doctor for the Causes of Orange Nails?

You should consider seeing a doctor for the causes of orange nails under the following circumstances:

• Pain and Discomfort: If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort in your toes or toenails, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Such discomfort could indicate an infection, injury, or other underlying health conditions that require professional evaluation and treatment.
• Changes in Nail Shape and Texture: Noticeable changes in the thickness, brittleness, or crumbliness of your toenails should prompt a visit to the doctor. These alterations may signal underlying conditions such as fungal infections, psoriasis, or other health issues that necessitate medical assessment.
• Discoloration: Any change in the color of your toenails warrants attention. While orange nails can signify a fungal infection, they could also indicate more serious conditions like liver disease or diabetes. Seeking medical advice can help determine the cause and appropriate management.
• Spread of Discoloration: If the discoloration spreads to other toenails, it’s likely indicative of a fungal infection. Fungal infections are contagious and can quickly spread if left untreated, underscoring the importance of prompt medical intervention.
• Persistent Discoloration: If the discoloration persists over an extended period despite attempts to address it, medical attention is necessary. Persistent nail discoloration may signal an underlying health condition that requires thorough evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

In conclusion, addressing the question ‘Why is My Nail Orange?’ is essential. While orange nails are relatively common and can often be treated at home, they may also signal underlying health issues.

It’s crucial to identify the root cause of orange nails to ensure healthy nails and overall well-being.

For more insightful articles on health and wellness, be sure to explore additional blogs from Blonde Beauty.

Clare Collins

Laureate Professor Clare Collins 

  

Professor Clare Collins is a leading expert in nutrition and dietetics at the School of Health Sciences, part of the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing. Her work is changing the way we think about food and health. She grew up as one of nine children and was the first in her family to finish high school and go to college. This background gave her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for seizing opportunities. 

  

As the Director of the Hunter Medical Research Institute’s Food and Nutrition Program and a recipient of three NHMRC Research Fellowships, Professor Collins is making a big difference in public health. She focuses on helping people who are often overlooked, using new technologies like apps and online programs to improve their nutrition and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. 

  

Professor Collins is well-respected and has been recognized as a Fellow in four major health and science organizations. She leads a diverse team of experts, including dietitians, computer scientists, and engineers, working together on global health projects. 

  

Her achievements are impressive. She has received over $29 million in research funding, published more than 450 papers, and helped 35 PhD and Master’s students complete their degrees. She’s also active in sharing her knowledge with the public. She has developed tools like the Australian Eating Survey and the Healthy Eating Quiz, and she often appears in the media to talk about nutrition. 

  

PUBLISHED ARTICLES 

• Collins, C. (2019). “The Effect of a Pilot Dietary Intervention on Pain Outcomes in Patients Attending a Tertiary Pain Service.” 
• Collins, C. (2022). “Variation in cardiovascular disease risk factors among older adults.” 
• Collins, C. (2022). “Evaluation of an online intervention for improving stroke survivors’ health-related quality of life: A randomised controlled trial.” 

These articles show Professor Collins’s commitment to understanding how better nutrition can improve health. Her work is important for researchers, doctors, and anyone interested in healthy living.