Yellow Nail Syndrome
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.
What are the symptoms of yellow nail syndrome?
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.
How is it treated?
Conventional treatment is directed toward controlling infection in the airway with antibiotics, bronchodilators (medications to open the airways), and physical therapy. In addition, doctors typically recommend avoiding cigarette smoke and other respiratory irritants, and not using cough suppressants or sleeping pills.
Nutritional supplements that may be helpful:
Supplementation with vitamin E has been used successfully with people who have yellow nail syndrome in several preliminary reports. Although topical use of the vitamin has also been reported to be effective, 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.
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