YELLOW NAIL
SYNDROME
Yellow nail syndrome may or may not be associated with a systemic disorder and is occasionally familial. However, it is important to refer patients to a pneumologist to exclude respiratory tract involvement. Other conditions that may be associated with yellow nail syndrome include rheumatoid arthritis and internal malignancies. The history is the most important clue to diagnosis, because patients always claim that their nails have stopped growing.
YELLOW NAIL SYNDROME AT A GLANCE
· In the typical syndrome, nail changes are associated with respiratory disorders and lymphedema.
· Arrested nail growth is diagnostic.
· Nails are overcurved and thickened, the cuticle is absent, and nail color varies from pale yellow to green. Onycholysis is often associated.
· Most or all nails are usually involved.
The nail changes may benefit from treatment with high oral dosages of vitamin E. Spontaneous improvement is possible. Topical vitamin E and systemic antifungal medications (itraconazole, fluconazole) do not appear to be effective