Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Yellow nail syndrome
Introduction
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Synonyms and keywords: Primary lymphedema associated with yellow nails and pleural effusion
Overview
Overview
Yellow nail syndrome is a medical syndrome that includes pleural effusions, lymphedema and yellow dystrophic nails. Sometimes yellow nails are referred to as smoker’s fingers.
Pathophysiology
Pathophysiology
Associated Conditions
- Bronchiectasis in about 40% of people with yellow nail syndrome.
- Chronic sinusitis
- Congenital hypoplasia / dysplasia of peripheral lymph vessels
Treatment
Treatment
Pharmacotherapy
Chronic Pharmacotherapies
Normal treatment for swelling and any respiratory problems is appropriate. Nutritional supplementation with Vitamin E in some studies has been shown to be effective in controlling nail changes.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]