Healthier-looking hands and feet start with healthier-looking nails. According to research or other evidence, the following self-care steps may help you get a handle on yellow nail syndrome:
These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. Continue reading the full yellow nail syndrome article for more in-depth, fully-referenced information on medicines, vitamins, herbs, and dietary and lifestyle changes that may be helpful.
Yellow nail syndrome is believed to be caused by congenital abnormalities in the lymphatic system.
Although it primarily affects the nails and lymphatic tissue, it frequently is associated with lung disease.
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People with yellow nail syndrome may have symptoms including thickened, curved, slow-growing, yellow-to-greenish nails; and swelling of the lymph system in various parts of the body. Additional symptoms relating to the lungs may also occur.
Treatment may include physical therapy, such as postural drainage, clapping, and vibration. Healthcare practitioners typically recommend avoiding cigarette smoke and other respiratory irritants, cough suppressants, and sleeping pills.
Supplementation with vitamin E has been used successfully with people who have yellow nail syndrome in several preliminary reports.1 2 3 Although topical use of the vitamin has also been reported to be effective,4 taking vitamin E supplements is much easier and less messy. A typical amount is 800 IU per day, with results beginning to appear after several months.
1. Norton L. Further observations on the yellow nail syndrome with therapeutic effects of oral alpha-tocopherol. Cutis 1985;36:457–62.
2. Ayres S Jr, Hihan R. Yellow nail syndrome: response to vitamin E. Arch Dermatol 1973;108:267–8.
3. Ayres S Jr. Yellow nail syndrome controlled by vitamin E therapy. J Am Acad Dermatol 1986;15:714–6 [letter].
4. Williams HC, Buffham R, du Vivier A. Successful use of topical vitamin E solution in the treatment of nail changes in yellow nail syndrome. Arch Dermatol 1991;127:1023–8.
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires April 2008.