Yellow fingers from smoking: What can you do about it?

As a smoker, you will have to deal with this problem sooner or later: Yellow fingers from smoking. We show you how to get rid of the annoying yellow stains on your fingers with a few household remedies and show you alternatives to cigarettes that prevent the discolouration from occurring in the first place.

How do you get yellow fingers from smoking?

A cigarette contains the substances nicotine and tar. It is often assumed that nicotine is the main reason for smokers' yellow fingers. Nicotine is a colourless liquid that resembles oil in consistency.

Nicotine can turn brown when it comes into contact with the air, but it is a myth that fingers turn yellow from nicotine alone. E-cigarettes are known to contain nicotine, but fingers and furniture remain unaffected by the discolouration.

The real culprit for yellow fingers from smoking is tar. Tar is incredibly viscous and has a black-brown colour. When the cigarette burns, it spreads all over the room and settles on furniture and the skin.

Is the yellow discolouration of the fingers dangerous?

No, discolouration of the fingers may be annoying, but it is not dangerous. However, it is a different story with the teeth. Smoking can lead to receding gums and, in the worst case, to periodontitis. Smokers should therefore pay special attention to thorough dental hygiene so that discolouration of the teeth can be avoided.

How can I remove yellow fingers from smoking?

With a few tricks, discolouration can be limited and even completely avoided. We show how!

Lemons against yellow fingers

Citric acid is often used when washing white clothes as it has a similar effect to bleach. To get rid of yellow fingers from smoking, you can either rub your fingers on a piece of lemon or squeeze a lemon and bathe your fingers in the juice for a few minutes.

Anschliessend sollten die Finger gut mit Wasser abgewaschen werden. Wer über Wunden oder kleine Rissen an der Haut verfügt, sollte diese Methode lieber nicht anwenden, da die Haut zu sehr gereizt wird. Die Anwendung kann beliebig oft wiederholt werden.

Alternative to lemon: Apple cider vinegar or orange peel have the same effect as citric acid. Both have a brightening effect and can make fingers appear less yellow.

Baking powder

Baking soda is sometimes used to treat yellow teeth and also works wonders for yellow fingers. The reason for this is the baking soda contained in the baking powder. Use a packet of baking soda and dissolve it in a little water until it becomes a creamy substance. You can then apply this to your fingers and leave it to work. Afterwards, you should rinse your fingers. By the way, baking soda not only removes the yellow stains, but also the unpleasant smell.

Nail polish remover against stubborn yellow fingers from smoking

Nail polish remover is quite strong and known to remove stains permanently. If you have badly yellowed fingers, you can treat them with nail polish remover. However, frequent use is not good for the skin and nails and should therefore not be used too often.

How can I prevent yellow fingers from smoking?

A permanent solution against discolouration is, of course, a complete smoking stop or at least a reduction. However, those who do not want to give up nicotine should resort to other alternatives that do not contain tar and do not need to be burned.

Conclusion

Yellow fingers from smoking can be cleaned by household remedies such as lemon, baking soda and nail polish remover. Although the discolouration is considered harmless on the skin, it can cause problems around the mouth. To get rid of yellow fingers for good, tobacco products that do not contain tar, such as snus, are suitable.