Yellow Nail Syndrome

Yellow Nail Syndrome, is believed to be caused by congenital abnormalities particularly of lymphatic system. Although, it primarily affects the nails and lymphatic tissue, it is frequently associated with lung disease also.

Yellow Nail Syndrome is a very rare disorder involving a combination of lymphedema that is swelling of the lower extremities, recurrent pneumonia, and bronchiectasis and yellowed nails. Bronchiectasis is an irreversible enlargement of one or more of the bronchi due to the destruction of the muscular and elastic supporting tissues.

Causes of Yellow Nail Syndrome

The Yellow Nail Syndrome is a poorly understood syndrome in which hypoplasia of the lymphatic causes the triad of yellow discolouration and dystrophy of the nails, lymph -edema of the lower extremities and bilateral pleural effusions.

The underlying cause of the syndrome is unknown, but congenital, hereditary and paraeoplastic causes have been though. The Yellow Nail Syndrome is a rare condition. The incidence of this condition in the general population is not known and the pathogenesis is not yet fully understood.

Pathologic examination of pleurectomy specimens from Yellow Nail Syndrome patients have suggested lymphatic hypoplasia, or even frank absence of lympathatic vessels as the cause.

It is believed that the pleural effusions and peripheral lymph edema are due to the same defect in the lymphatic. Lymphatic stases in the lower extremities have been demonstrated in Yellow Nail Syndrome. It would not be unreasonable to assume that the pelvic lymphatic channels were similarly hypoplastic.

Symptoms of Yellow Nail Syndrome

Infections make up approximately 50% of all nair disorders and can be difficult to treat. More common in toenails than fingernails, they often cause the end of the nail to separate from the nail bed.

Additionally, debris-white, green, yellow or black-may build up under the nail plate and discolour the nail bed. The top of the nail or the skin at the base of the nail can also be affected.

Toenails are more susceptible to fungal infections because they are confined in a warm, moist, bearing environment. Yellow Nail Syndrome may also be associated with yellow and thickening of the nail and slowed growth rate, or diabetes, or swelling of the hands and feet and variety of respiratory diseases such as chronic bronchitis.

Treatment of Yellow Nail Syndrome

Prescription dry therapy might include oral antibiotics to control infection, such as amoxycillin/clavulanate that is Augmentin may be used. Cephalexing in may be used by the name of Biaxin and Azithromycin is used by the name of zithromax.

Bronchodilators such as albuterol known by name Proventil, Ventoline and Salmeterol known by the name Sere vent may be used to open airways. Treatment may include physical therapy, such as postural drainage may be used.

Doctors typically recommended avoiding cigarette, other respiratory irritants, cough suppressants and sleeping pills etc. It has been proven that the supplementation with Vitamin E has been successfully used in people with Yellow Nail Syndrome.

Although, topical use of Vitamin E can also be made but the oral use of Vitamin E supplements is much easier and loss messy. The three antioxidants most commonly found in antioxidant supplements are Vitamins A, C and E. Each works independently and in combination with other Vitamins to reduce the effects of free radicals.

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