Difference between revisions of "Fix Nicotine Stained Fingers"

Smoking causes a wide range of negative health effects, but it also has some obvious physical effects, such as yellow nicotine stains on your nails and fingers. Yellow stains on your fingers and fingernails may seem like they are permanent, but there are some remedies to remove, or at least lessen the discoloration caused by smoking.<ref name="rf1">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nicotine-dependence/basics/complications/con-20014452</ref>

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#Use an emery board. You can use an emery board or nail file to sand away some of the nicotine stains on your fingers. Use gentle pressure to rub the rough area of a nail file or emery board along the yellowed area of your fingers. After a minute or two, you should notice that the stains are less noticeable.<ref name="rf2">http://www.quitpros.com/nicotine-stains-on-fingers.html</ref>

#Apply a bleach solution. A dilute solution of bleach and water may also help to get rid of yellow nicotine stains on your fingers. Mix 1 part bleach with 4 parts water for this solution into a glass container. Then, dip a nail brush into the solution and apply it to the yellowed area of your fingers. Leave it on your fingers for a few minutes and then rinse it off.<ref name="rf2" />

#Scrub your fingers with toothpaste.  Toothpaste can also help to remove nicotine stains from your fingers. Take any standard brand of toothpaste and squeeze a dab of it onto the yellow area of one of your fingers. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub the toothpaste into the yellow skin for a few minutes and rinse the area with warm water when you are done.<ref name="rf2" />

#Apply lemon juice. Lemon juice is an effective natural bleaching agent that may help to remove stains from your fingers. Use a knife to cut a fresh lemon in half, then take half of the lemon and hold it against the yellow area of your fingers. Rub the stained areas with the lemon half until it’s coated in lemon juice.<ref name="rf2" />

#Rub your fingertips with a potato. This method is gentler than some of the other methods so it may be a good option if you have sensitive skin. Peel a potato and then use it to rub the stained area of your fingers for a few minutes. Rinse away the potato juice after a few minutes have passed.<ref name="rf2" />

#Dissolve an aspirin in water. Take a single aspirin tablet and dissolve it in a standard 8 oz. cup of hot water. Dip the stained fingers into the water after it has cooled down a bit. Soak your fingers in the water for several minutes. Wash your hands with soap and water when you have finished soaking your fingertips.<ref name="rf2" />

#Dip your nails into hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide has some whitening properties that can remove nicotine stains from your fingernails. Pour 3-4 tablespoons (15 ml per tablespoon) of 3% hydrogen peroxide into half a cup (118.5 ml) of water and stir well.  Then, dip your nails into the solution and soak them for about 15 minutes. Use a toothbrush to scrub any remaining stains off of your nails and then rinse off your nails with water.<ref name="rf3">http://vkool.com/how-to-get-rid-of-yellow-nails/</ref>

#Apply apple cider vinegar. Vinegar derived from apple cider contains acetic and malic acids that can decrease discoloration in nails. Pour half a cup (118.5 ml) of lukewarm water into a dish with half a cup of apple cider vinegar. Soak your affected nails in the solution for about twenty minutes. Then, rinse off your nails and use a towel to dry them off.<ref name="rf3" />

#Soak your nails in mouthwash. An alcohol-based mouthwash can also help to get rid of stains on your fingernails. Pour some mouthwash into a clean plastic cup. Make sure that there is enough for you to dip your fingers into the mouthwash. Soak your nails in the mouthwash for 30 minutes.<ref name="rf3" />

#*You can also add two tablespoons (30 ml) of dried orange peel powder to water to create a paste. Use a nail brush to layer the paste on your affected nails. Let the paste sit for 10 minutes, and then rinse off with tepid water. Do the paste method twice a day for a couple of weeks.<ref name="rf3" />

#Quit smoking. As long as you smoke you will have a high risk of exposing your fingers and fingernails to more nicotine stains. You could enter community support groups to help you [[Quit Smoking|quit smoking]]. You can also ask your doctor about non-staining replacements like the nicotine patch, e-cigarettes, or ask your doctor about other quitting aids that will not stain.<ref name="rf4">https://quitsmokingcommunity.org/</ref>

#Smoke with an intervening device. You can smoke with a metal device in between the smoking element and your hand or mouth like a hookah or metal pipe. This will not benefit your overall health, but it will reduce the amount of nicotine that reaches your fingers.<ref name="rf5">http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-28/issue-1/feature/smoking-the-hookah.html</ref>