Yellow Nail Syndrome

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:

Take extra E
Supplement with 800 IU of vitamin E every day for a few months to help control symptoms

These recommendations are not comprehensive and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or chemist. 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.

About 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.

Product ratings for yellow nail syndrome

Science Ratings	Nutritional Supplements	Herbs
	Vitamin E
Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit. Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit. For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

What are the symptoms?

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.

Medical options

Prescription drug therapy might include oral antibiotics to control infection in the airway, such as amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin), cephalexin (Keflex), clarithromycin (Biaxin), and azithromycin (Zithromax). Bronchodilators, such as albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin), salmeterol (Serevent), and ipratropium bromide (Atrovent), may be used to open airways.

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.

Vitamins that may be helpful

Supplementation with vitamin E has been used successfully with people who have yellow nail syndrome in a few 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 a few months.

Are there any side effects or interactions?
Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.

References

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.

Learn more about Healthnotes, the company.

Learn more about the authors of Healthnotes.

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 chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.