Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesSymptomsDiagnosisComplicationsTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Complications
Treatment
Prevention
Yellow nailsyndrome is a rare disease that affects the fingernails and toenails. It typically affects people over 50.
Yellow nail syndrome gets its name from the buildup of lymph under the nails, making them appear yellow. People with this condition may develop pulmonary (lung) andlymphatic system(infection-fighting) problems.
This article covers everything you need to know aboutyellow toenailsand fingernails, including causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention.
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What Causes Yellow Nail Syndrome?
Many people with yellow nail syndrome wonder why their nails are yellow. Unfortunately, usually the cause is unknown. However, some causes may include:
Vitamin Ecan help treat yellow nail syndrome, so a vitamin E deficiency may also cause yellow nails and toenails.
What Are the Symptoms of Yellow Nail Syndrome?
While yellow nails are the primary symptom of yellow nail syndrome, there are other signs to watch out for. These signs and symptoms may include:
How Is Yellow Nail Syndrome Diagnosed?
Since there are so many things that can contribute to yellow nail syndrome, a diagnosis is important. Healthcare providers use the following criteria to diagnose yellow nail syndrome:
A healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may also use a pulmonary function test andcomputed tomography(CT) scan to confirm a diagnosis.
Conditions with similar symptoms include the following:
Thick Toenails: Treatments for Each Cause
What Are the Complications of Yellow Nail Syndrome?
Complications of yellow nail syndrome may involve the respiratory and lymph systems. For example, if your lymphatic system doesn’t drain properly, you may experience the following problems:
You may be at greater risk of developing serious respiratory infections like pneumonia and bronchiectasis with respiratory system complications.
How Is Yellow Nail Syndrome Treated?
Yellow nail syndrome treatment is usually symptom-based, meaning healthcare providers cater therapies to whatever is causing problems for a person. Treatments may include:
A Word From Verywell
—BRENDAN CAMP, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Can You Prevent Yellow Nail Syndrome?
Genetics and chronic health conditions often cause yellow nail syndrome, so there isn’t anything you can do to actively prevent it. However, if you develop yellow nail syndrome, the symptoms are manageable with various therapies targeting your situation.
Summary
Yellow nail syndrome is more than just yellow nails and toenails. The condition also involves the respiratory and lymphatic systems. If you have symptoms of yellow nail syndrome, a healthcare provider will carefully listen to your symptoms, perform a physical exam, and order diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions. While you can’t prevent yellow nail syndrome, the good news is that its symptoms are manageable with different therapies.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Yellow nail syndrome: Causes.
Vignes S, Baran R.Yellow nail syndrome: a review.Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2017;12(1):42. Published 2017 Feb 27. doi:10.1186/s13023-017-0594-4
Xu S, Wu X.Respiratory manifestation of yellow nail syndrome: a case report and literature review.J Int Med Res. 2021;49(12):3000605211063313. doi:10.1177/03000605211063313
Tessier S, Longo S, Ido F.Selective IgG2-deficiency in yellow nail syndrome.Respirol Case Rep. 2023;11(3):e01102. doi:10.1002/rcr2.1102
Mishra AK, George AA, George L.Yellow nail syndrome in rheumatoid arthritis: an aetiology beyond thiol drugs.Oxf Med Case Reports. 2016;2016(3):37-40. doi:10.1093/omcr/omw013
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Yellow nail syndrome: Standard therapies.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Yellow nail syndrome: Signs and symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Lymphedema.
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